[Question #11251] Unprotected oral sex from sex worker
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15 months ago
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Hi,
I am quite anxious so I am posting here while I wait for the window to get tested at a sexual health clinic.
A day ago I went to a massage parlor and received unprotected oral sex for about 15-20 seconds. A bit graphic in detail and I do apologize, but the sex worker licked the tip around the opening with the tip of her tongue and placed the tip in her mouth. I told her to stop and she just continued with her hand. Exposure to her tongue lasted a total 15-20 seconds, but I'm quite worried about possible STD/STIs. I know I will get tested in a week or two, but for the sake of not losing sleep, how high of a risk was it? Is it more than likely? Should I just not lose any sleep over it? Any description would help. I'm really worried and I am deeply regretting a reckless action I took out of heart break.
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15 months ago
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I also want to add that she did have some sniffles.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
15 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment. This was a no risk exposure. If you had asked "do I need to test" my reply would have been probably not although testing is always a personal decisions. Let me tell you why I say this:
Most commercial sex workers to not have STIs. When they do, oral infections are relatively uncommon and are typically not transmitted following a single exposure. In your case, the duration of exposure was brief and your penis did not go deep into her mouth. Further, receipt of masturbation after the brief oral was a NO risk event.
Regarding specific STIs,, there have never been a case of HIV acquired from receipt of oral sex. Syphilis and chlamydia are very rare. The most common STI acquired following receipt of oral sex is gonorrhea and that is uncommon. When gonorrhea occurs, over 90% of infected men develop an obvious penile discharge within 3-5 days after exposure.
Bottom line, this was a VERY low risk exposure. If you choose to test for the reassurance it provides, you can test and anticipate reliable, conclusive results with a urine test any time 3-5 days following the exposure. There is no need to wait several weeks to test. I would not both to test for syphilis or HIV.
I hope this perspective is helpful. EWH
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15 months ago
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Hi Dr. Hook,
Thank you for the response. This perspective is very helpful. You have no idea how much I've been waiting for a response and this puts my mind quite at ease.
I just wanted to ask a few follow up questions if you don't mind.
1. Does this apply even with the sniffles/cold symptom? (I apologize if I wasn't clear)
2. Since it's a VERY low risk, do you think it's ok to resume sexual activity or should I give it some time?
3. I'm so sorry for asking this, but my anxiety won't let it go until I ask. I'm not sure how you would define very low. 1-5%? 5-10?
Once again, I appreciate your genuine response as I'm sure you go through many. Thank you so very much for taking the time.
I just wanted to ask a few follow up questions if you don't mind.
1. Does this apply even with the sniffles/cold symptom? (I apologize if I wasn't clear)
2. Since it's a VERY low risk, do you think it's ok to resume sexual activity or should I give it some time?
3. I'm so sorry for asking this, but my anxiety won't let it go until I ask. I'm not sure how you would define very low. 1-5%? 5-10?
Once again, I appreciate your genuine response as I'm sure you go through many. Thank you so very much for taking the time.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
15 months ago
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Straight to your follow-up questions:
2. Since it's a VERY low risk, do you think it's ok to resume sexual activity or should I give it some time?
3. I'm so sorry for asking this, but my anxiety won't let it go until I ask. I'm not sure how you would define very low. 1-5%? 5-10?
1. Does this apply even with the sniffles/cold symptom? (I apologize if I wasn't clear)
Yes. "Sniffles" are not a sign of any STI and raise no concerns.
2. Since it's a VERY low risk, do you think it's ok to resume sexual activity or should I give it some time?
I would be comfortable resuming unprotected sex with my regular partner at this time. Whether or not you chose to wait for a negative test result is, of course, up to you.
3. I'm so sorry for asking this, but my anxiety won't let it go until I ask. I'm not sure how you would define very low. 1-5%? 5-10?
Certainly no higher than the 1-2% range.
Hope this helps. EWH
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