[Question #13948] Kissed sex worker

1 months ago

Hi Doctors

My wife and I have been together 15 years since we were in high school. However, a couple of nights ago we had a major argument and I decided to go out for a while.

I visited a sports bar. There were sex workers around.

I ended up giving a peck to one on the lips (2-3 seconds maximum). I did not know that she was a sex worker at the time, but she admitted afterwards. I feel such an idiot and now I am worried about HIV.

I have spent an hour looking at this page and see, from a science standpoint, that I was not at risk of HIV since I did not share a syringe with this lady; nor did we have penetrative sex.

My questions are:

1 - Am I correct that I am not at risk of HIV from this peck?

I had chapped lips and I couldn’t see this lady’s lips very well due to the dark lighting (supposing she also had bloody / chapped lips).

2 - Can I have penetrative sex with my wife without having to tell her about this event?

Appreciate your analysis.

Thanks in advance.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Welcome to our Forum. Thanks for your confidence in our service. You are correct, there is no risk of HIV or any other STI from the brief kiss you describe. There is certainly no need for testing of any sort and no need to discuss your misstep with your wife. Likewise, there is no need to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife. Please don't worry. EWH---

1 months ago

Hi Doctor

Thank you for your answer.

1 - So even with my chapped lips, if the sex worker had some blood / genital fluids on her lips, I was still at no risk for HIV? (or even if some went in my mouth without me knowing)

2 - I see Dr Handsfield has advised multiple other clients on this forum (and on Healthtap) that they will never catch HIV until they (A) share drug injection needles; or (B) insert their unprotected penis into a vagina or rectum. Is this also your position?

Thanks for your help.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

1. Chapped lips make no difference. Still absolutely no risk.

2. Of course Dr. Handsfield and I agree on this,

Please don’t worry. One follow up remaining. EWH

---

1 months ago

Hi Doctor

So the main takeaway is: I’ll never catch HIV until I have penile vaginal/anal intercourse or share needles with an unknown partner?

I therefore have absolutely nothing to worry about regarding HIV until one of the above happens?

Many thanks for your help and for giving everyone the chance to speak directly with STI experts.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

You are correct.

I’m pleased I could be helpful. Closing the thread now. EWH

---