Abesha Care HIV/AIDS Initiative

female transmission of HIV appears to be a rare occurrence.
However, there are case reports of female-to-female transmission of
HIV. The well documented risk of female-to-male transmission of HIV
shows that vaginal secretions and menstrual blood may contain the
virus and that mucous membrane (e.g., oral, vaginal) exposure to
these secretions has the potential to lead to HIV infection.

In order to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, women who have sex
with women should do the following:

Avoid exposure of a mucous membrane, such as the mouth,
(especially non-intact tissue) to vaginal secretions and menstrual
blood.
Use condoms consistently and correctly each and every time for
sexual contact with men or when using sex toys. Sex toys should not
be shared. No barrier methods for use during oral sex have been
evaluated as effective by the FDA. However, natural rubber latex
sheets, dental dams, cut open condoms, or plastic wrap may offer
some protection from contact with body fluids during oral sex and
possibly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Know your own and your partner’s HIV status. This knowledge can
help uninfected women begin and maintain behavioral changes that
reduce the risk of becoming infected. For women who are found to be
infected, it can assist in getting early treatment and avoiding infecting
others.

REFERENCE
CDC. HIV and AIDS: Are You at Risk?

Content Source:
Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention

Questions and Answers

		Are “lesbians” or other women who have sex with women at
		risk for HIV?

Transmission