[Question #11026] Exposure from giving oral to gay male

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17 months ago
I gave brief oral to a gay male who advised he rarely played but as our encounter continued he confessed to frequently performing anal sex.  Unclear if he used condoms.  But few are using them now thanks to prep. 
 The encounter lasted 5 minutes he did not finish in my mouth.  What risks do I face.  Should I take a course of antibiotics as a protective measure.   Thanks doctors. 
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
17 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum.  I'll be glad to comment.  

I understanding that your partner's changing story may generate some concern on your part.  I'll be glad to comment on your risk which are rather low.  Few STIs are acquired from performing oral sex.  Most people are not infected and when they are, only a small proportion of exposures lead to infection.  The major STI acquired from performing oral sex is gonorrhea and that is uncommon. Chlamydial acquistion is so rare as to be comfortable in saying there is virtually no risk.  There are a handful of instances in which HIV has been acquired from performing oral sex on an untreated HIV infected person but this is very rare.  Estimates are that the risk of acquiring HIV from performing oral sex on an HIV infected, untreated person is less than 1 in 10,000, i.e. like performing oral sex on an infected person daily for more than 27 years.  I would not be concerned if I were you.

While such decisions are a personal choice, your risk is so low that I would not be worried in the least.  You might wish to get an oral swab for gonorrhea but I would not recommend a course of antibiotics.  your risk of side effects is far higher than any potential benefit.  EWH
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