19. Are women who have sex with women at risk for HIV infection?

Woman-to-woman sexual transmission of HIV is rare, but it is possible. Women who have sex with women are at risk for HIV infection if they share needles to inject drugs or if they have unprotected sexual contact that results in blood-to-blood exposure. Women who have sex with women can reduce their risk of getting HIV by:

• not injecting drugs, or by not sharing needles, syringes, or works if they do use drugs (see question 53); and

• using a dental dam (a thin, square piece of latex), a non-lubricated condom that is cut open, or a plastic wrap as a barrier during oral sex. HIV transmission could potentially occur if vaginal secretions or

menstrual blood enters open sores or cuts in or around the mouth, such as those caused by canker sores or blisters, vigorous teeth brushing or flossing, or some form of trauma. This could allow for the exchange of potentially infected blood or body fluids.