Is It Possible To Get HIV In Female-To-Female Intercourse?

Published: September 13, 2019
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Is HIV only subject to intercourse between two men or can Lesbians develop HIV through intercourse as well?
Signed: Is It Possible To Get HIV In Female-To-Female Intercourse?

Dear Is It Possible To Get HIV In Female-To-Female Intercourse? ,

According to the CDC, cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection transmitted by sexual contact between women who have sex with women are rare and difficult to determine.  However, female-to-female transmission is possible because HIV can be found in vaginal fluid and menstrual blood. 

Those at highest risk for transmitting HIV to their female partner are females who previously tested positive for HIV and are not taking proper medication to lower the amount of the virus present in their body. In addition, females who participated in unsafe sexual activity with the opposite sex past or present and/or took part in injection drug use also increase the risk of transmitting HIV to their partner. 

TeenHealthFX recommends every sexually active person to use safer sex practices. In the past, we posted a hot topic on safer sex practices for young women in same-sex relationship which can be found here and may answer additional questions you may have. Furthermore, it is equally important that both partners get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections to prevent transmission. Even though HIV transmission may be rare, it is still very possible to spread other sexually transmitted infections. 

All sexually active teens should meet with a doctor to receive STI testing as well as to discuss specific questions and needs. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist.  

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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