[Question #12823] Understanding why low risk
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4 months ago
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Hello Docs,
My question is along the lines of my previous concerns that were answered but I just want to understand from you, the experts. I am a straight male that frequents “high end” female escorts and enjoy unprotected oral both giving and receiving and kissing. Intercourse, if performed is always protected. You have eased my mind in the past when I have had concerns and have been correct, and talking with some of the ladies on the same topic they feel the same, hence the reason they provide this service. Could you explain why this is not a concern or at least a low risk? As you know if you were to just search the internet and even other prominent Health sites it is labeled as a high risk and concern. I understand my activities are not no risk but I do enjoy them. Thank you
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
4 months ago
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Welcome back. Thanks for your continued confidence in our services.
However, I don't how much I can add to what you already know yourself, or that Dr. Hook and I said in reply to your two previous questions. We did not say you are at no risk from the events described or that you should not be "concerned" -- only that the risk was very low. Those comments included these:
From Dr. Hook (question 11434): "Few single exposures, even those with commercial sex workers, lead to STIs. This is because most people do not have STIs and because most single exposures to infected partners do not lead to infection. Among unprotected penetrative exposures, receipt of oral sex is amongst the lowest risk." And "shorter exposures are lower risk".From me (question 12408): "...escorts -- expensive female sex workers by appointment -- are generally considered low risk partners, regardless of how many clients they have," and I went on to explain the main reasons this is the case I advised that the oral sex component of that encounter was not zero risk; mentioned the most common STIs from such exposures; and suggested you might wish to seek gonorrhea testing, largely for reassurance. And it seems you have had similar reassurance from the experts -- women who provide escort services.
It certainly is true that not all health advice sites give identical advice, and often the default position is that some exposure are risky and other are not, without consideration of the circumstances. We make a point of considering far more than the simple fact of a particular kind exposure. The risk level of a partner (the nature of his or her sex work, for example), the details of the exposure (condom or not, oral sex vs vaginal or anal, the overall setting (STI rates are far higher in some countries, cities, or population groups than in others), and so on.
I'll be happy to explain more if you'd like to clarify your concerns. I hope these comments are helpful in the meantime.
HHH, MD
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