[Question #13887] HIV and Deep French Kissing

1 months ago

Your page came highly recommended by my sister as you greatly helped her with STI advice last year (and were absolutely correct regarding her negative status). I hope that you can do the same for me.

My exposure does not involve any form of unprotected penis intercourse or oral sex.

On my stag-do (I am getting married in July) I ended up deep French kissing a lady in a bar. I am embarrassed of my actions.

I do not know this lady’s HIV status and can’t remember if I tasted any blood.

I messaged her on Instagram the next day and she seemed to take offence when I asked about STI testing; and she blocked me afterwards. She is not a sex worker, but I have no idea if she has had unprotected sex with men recently.

My cousin has just completed his Doctorate in Infectious Diseases and has told me to ‘get a grip’ and not worry at all about HIV, even if the lady happened to have HIV and not be on treatment.

I have been advised that HIV is only spread in adults via unprotected penis intercourse or sharing syringes (excluding accidents in a medical setting or massive blood exposure).

Lastly, I have been told that because this event posed no medical risk whatsoever, I should not test for HIV or any other STI.

Appreciate a second opinion from yourselves.

Thank you

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. Thanks as well to your sister for her recommendation. I'm pleased to be able to confirm what you cousin has said- there is absolutely no risk of HIV or any other STI from French kissing- even if she had blood or an open sore in her mouth. There is no reason for concern and no scientific reason for testing.

It is correct that the only way that HIV is spread in adults is through unprotected penetrative intercourse or injection of infected material.

Please don't worry. EWH

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1 months ago

Hi Dr Hook

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

I am delighted to read that there is no scientific reason to test for HIV. I will not pursue this as I know how reliable yourself and Dr Handsfield have been on this page.

Overall to summarise:

1. I am worrying for absolutely nothing over deep French kissing, even if one of us (or both) had blood in the mouth, there is no risk at all for HIV?

2. I can now resume unprotected sex with my fiancé?

3. I can now move on with my life with zero concern about HIV?

Thank you

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Your summary is correct

1. Correct

2. Correct

3. Correct

EWH

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