[Question #13788] Oral Encounter

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17 days ago
Hello and thanks for the service. 

I went to a gay bar in MI (USA) and the following happened. 

I closed mouth kissed one guy for a second or two.  

I open mouth (French) kissed another guy for a minute or two.  He proceeded to give me oral sex without a condom.  I ejaculated in his mouth. That was the end of my encounter. 

I’m very concerned with HIV. 

These events were 16 days ago.  

I am taking a PCR RNA test and a 4th gen test at 16 days here in the USA. 

1. Can you please advise on my risk for HIV ? 

2. If my tests are negative (RNA at 16 days/4th gen at 16 days), can I put this behind me ? 

 Please advise and thank you for your service.  


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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
17 days ago
Welcome to the forum. I'm happy to address these concerns.

You were not at significant risk for HIV, which is rarely if ever transmitted by kissing, or by fellatio (oral to penile contact). In the 4+ decades of the known world wide HIV/AIDS epidemic, with millions of infected persons, there have been few if any documented to result from kissing, oral to penile sex, or other saliva contact. That you ejaculated in a partner's mouth might have increased his risk of infection if you had HIV or other STI, but had no bearing on your risk. Gonorrhea from kissing is controversial, but is rare -- and probably requires far more prolonged, intensive open mouth kissing than you seem to have had.

For those reasons, from a medical or risk perspective, you really didn't need HIV testing at all. Or any other STIs either. That said, reassurance along is a valid reason for testing -- since you're already started down that path, it makes sense to continue testing until you've had conclusive results. I am confident your HIV test results will be negative, and that will be conclusive:  the RNA test detects 100% of infections 11 days or more after exposure. If you would like additional reassurance, you also could have urine and throat swab tests for gonorrhea, which can be done any time (they're valid 2-3 days after exposure). Finally, you could consider a syphilis blood test after 6 weeks.

In the meantime, you should not be seriously worried. The chance you have any significant infection from these events is near zero.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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17 days ago
Thanks for the reply, Dr.  

2 quick follow ups. Please. 

1. My RNA test will be 16 days since the episode.  Will that be conclusive and can I put this behind me ?   

2. From a medical perspective, is testing even warranted from my encounter ? 

Thanks.  
 


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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
16 days ago
Question 1 yes, question 1 no.

In fact, these are repeat questions:  1. "the RNA test detects 100% of infections 11 days or more after exposure". 2. " from a medical or risk perspective, you really didn't need HIV testing at all." I haven't changed my mind in the last few hours!
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15 days ago
Thanks, Dr.  Sorry for asking the same questions.  I’m just really anxious and have OCD.  I’m waiting on the RNA PCR results.  My 4th gen at 16 days was negative.  

My last questions. 

1. Does “Not a significant risk” mean virtually no risk or not worth testing for ?   

2. Do you think there have been a few cases from kissing/oral to penile/other saliva methods ? 

3. I think my worry is Wayyyyy too high for this encounter.  Do you ? 

Thank you for your time 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
15 days ago
1. Yes. If there is any physical contact at all, in theory there might be a chance of HIV transmission. But re-read the opening lines of my initial reply and stop over analyzing terms like "no significant risk".

2. There might have been such cases, but none have been reported or scientifically documented.

3. I agree.

Anyway, it is pointless to speculate on the risk when you'll very soon know for sure whether or not you were infected. Your test will be negative.

That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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