wild@sun.uucp (Will Doherty) (11/20/85)
This is a response to the following question (I don't know which digest it came from, so I'm posting to all original recipients for this important clarification): From: Jamie Andrews <ihnp4!alberta!ubc-vision!ubc-cs!andrews> Message-Id: <8511191900.AA26676@ubc-cs.UUCP> Will, further to your AIDS article, Considering the amount of semen that "leaks out" before climax, is it really true to say that fellatio without taking ejaculate is possibly safe? I trust your information, but I'd like to know why this point doesn't matter. Also, what is your information on cunnilingus? I don't think you mentioned it in your article. Thanks for a reasoned posting. The "semen that `leaks out' before climax" is an emission from the Cowper's gland. Noone really knows right now if this emission can transmit HTLVIII virus, so it is best to avoid exposing any mucuous membranes to it. In other words, if you engage in the POSSIBLY SAFE activity of fellatio (cock-sucking), you decrease risk by avoiding any emissions from the penis, including "pre-cum." Lick *around* the "head" of the penis, down its length, and down by the balls (scrotum), rather than putting it all in your mouth. To further decrease risk, gargle with a lubricant that contains nonoxynol-9 (try a few to see which tastes best), or use a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (say 1 part of 3% hydrogen peroxide : 3-5 parts water -- but don't let it sit around for more than a few hours). Most detergents kill the HTLVIII virus, especially in combination with hot water. Even safer, of course, is to develop a liking for condoms, and licking the condom, rather than the penis directly. As far as cunnilingus, that appeared in the original information as another POSSIBLY SAFE activity (oral-vaginal sex with spermicide, i.e. nonoxynol-9 or equivalent). Thanx for a good question, Will Doherty sun!oscar!wild