[Question #1947] Recent Encounter

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90 months ago
I recently received oral sex  by a woman I did not know (I am a male) with a condom on.  The condom did not break and when captured the semen. I am in a relationship (severe lapse of judgement) and I have told my partner. Do I need to to get tested? If so how many times and when (this happen a week ago). Also, what STDs can I contract if i used a condom? Having severe anxiety about this and want to know what is the best way to handle the issue.

Appreciate the help. I currently have no symptoms.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
90 months ago
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

You needn't worry; this was an entirely safe sexual encounter. Contrary to what many people assume or believe, oral sex can be viewed as safe sex. It isn't entirely free of risk, but all STDs are far less common than for vaginal or anal sex, and there is essentially zero risk for some of them. Among the reasons is that all STDs are relatively uncommon in the mouth and throat; and even when present, they are not as easily transmitted as through vaginal or anal sex. And all this is without a condom. With a condom, there is absolutely no realistic chance of transmission of anything, assuming the condom doesn't break wide open. There are no viruses or bacteria that can pass through intact latex or polyurethane. And unlike vaginal sex, with oral sex there is little contact of the mouth with penile skin above the condom.

Accordingly, you are not at risk. You do not need testing for any STD. Had you not already informed your partner of this event, I would have advised there was no need to do so (at least not for disease prevention -- discussions of sexual improprieties sometimes still are a good idea from a relationship standpoint).

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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