[Question #4898] HSV2 and the increased risk for HIV
77 months ago
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Dear Doctors,
I am a gay male with genital HSV2. (I’m guessing I could also have it orally, but don’t know)
I recently engaged in kissing and mutual masturbation with someone who told me he was HIV negative. After our hookup, we were discussing our relationship history and I came to find out that he had dated an HIV positive person several months prior. He reiterated that he was negative, but I started to feel uneasy because I know that I face and increased risk of acquiring HIV as a person with HSV2
Maybe this is ridiculous, but I’m worried that during the mutual masturbation his pre-cum was rubbed into my penis and that, because of my HSV2, this usually ‘no-risk’ activity is bumped up to the category of ‘possible risk.’
Apparently, genital skin can remain a target for HIV long after lesions have healed:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090802155237.htm
My specific question aside, I don’t really know what to do with the information that I am at an increased risk for HIV, especially as someone who does not engage in unprotected anal sex.
Are there things (like mutual masturbation with pre-cum/semen exposure) that HSV2 negative people don’t have to worry about, but I DO because of my increased risk? Or is it still the case for HSV2 people that unprotected intercourse is high risk for HIV, oral is low risk and everything else (kissing, touching, rubbing) is on par with being hit by lightning?
Any clarification would be greatly appreciated!
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
77 months ago
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77 months ago
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77 months ago
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![]() |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
77 months ago
|
77 months ago
|