[Question #13637] HIV

1 days ago

Dear Doctors

I hope that you can help me please.

I am 30 (M) and from the UK. I live in MENA and my GF and I are currently on a break. I am feeling very guilty but also conscious about my health for an event that happened this week.

I met up with a girl I used to date here (also from the UK and been living here for 2 years). The following happened:

(1) Deep tongue open mouth kissing

(2) I sucked her breasts

(3) I fingered her vagina

We did not have intercourse and she did not give me oral sex.

The room at her place was dark so I could not see any blood, wounds etc. (if this matters).

The reason for reaching out is that I see both of you state that without vagina / anal intercourse, there will never be a risk of HIV transmission in adults (excluding shared needles and blood transfusions). However, the advice seems to differ on forums like Healthtap, where some Doctors agree the above events are no risk, yet others advise testing after such events.

If you were me, would you be tested for HIV on account of deep kissing, breast sucking and fingering or am I completely in the clear of HIV and can move on with my life?

Many thanks

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 days ago

Welcome to our Forum and thanks for your questions. I’ll be glad to comment and hope that the reassurance I provide will allow you to move forward without further concerns. The activities you describe were virtually no risk for STIs, including HIV. Virtually all experts as well as the CDC and WHO are in agreement on this. Strange, unexplainable things may happen like being struck by a meteorite from space while reading this reply which is about the chance you have of acquiring an STI including HIV from the activities you describe. Among the reasons I say this with confidence are:

1. It is unlikely your partner has HIV or STI.

2. None of the activities you describe have been demonstrated in scientific studies to be associated with proven acquisition of HIV

I see no need for concern and no need for testing. EWH

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22 hours ago

Thank you for your reply, Dr Hook.

So in summary: the position remains that I will never be at risk of HIV unless I have unprotected vaginal / anal sex with a partner? (I never have and never will share needles); and kissing / fingering will never put me at risk? (regardless of cuts, saliva exchange etc.)

Thank you again and Happy Christmas.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

20 hours ago

Your summary is correct. No need for concern with any of the activities you describe. EWH---