[Question #5459] Risk of Unprotected Oral Sex
 |
74 months ago
|
I have seen where receiving oral sex as a male is described as low risk, can that risk be quantified by infection? I have also seen that being asymptomatic in a male is also not likely? Would the probability of receiving an STI via unprotected oral and also not having any symptoms after 3 weeks be incredibly low? Thanks and please let me know if you need more details.
 |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
74 months ago
|
Welcome to the Forum. I'll try to help. In general, the risk for getting an STI from receipt of oral sex is low - lower than the risk associated with participating in penetrative vaginal or rectal infections.
Most people do not have oral STIs and thus do not transmit infections through oral sex. Even when a person performing oral sex on a male has an oral STI, infections are not transmitted most of the time. Further, as you point out, most infections which result form receipt of oral sex as symptomatic, causing an obvious urethral (penile) discharge or burning on urination.
The most common STI to occur following receipt of oral sex is gonorrhea and when men get gonorrhea, 95% of those men have obvious symptoms. Non-gonococcal
urethritis NGU) caused by mouth organisms introduced in to the urethra during
sex is the 2nd most common STI to occur following oral sex and is also typically symptomatic. This sort of non-chlamydial NGU is not
clearly and STI in the traditional sense, is not readily transmitted to sex
partners like other STIs, and in not associated with complications. In
the United Kingdom, many specialists do not treat NGU associated with oral
sex. When treated, oral sex-related NGU typically resolves quickly. Other STIs, including chlamydia are rarer still and typically not a problem.
If you received oral sex three weeks ago and do not have symptoms at this time, I would not be worried.
I hope this response is helpful to you. If there are further questions or additional detail is needed, please do not hesitate to use your up to two follow-up questions. EWH
--- |
74 months ago
|
Thank you, that is very insightful. One follow up. What are the chances of getting HSV-2 from oral sex? Additionally, how long after exposure to HSV-2 would someone become contagious? Are you contagious immediately or is there some incubation time? Thanks again!
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
74 months ago
|
HSV-2 is virtually never acquired through receipt of oral sex because HSV-2 almost never causes oral infection. If you do not already have HSV-1/cold sores, there is a slight risk for acquisition of HSV-1 from receipt of oral sex but that risk is low. EWH ---
|
74 months ago
|
I’m 3 and 1/2 weeks from my last oral encounter and had a negative result on HSV2. The reading was .1. Is it possible I was tested too early or should I take comfort in that result and feel certain I’m not infected? Thanks!
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
74 months ago
|
You need to relax. As I already told you, you don't get HSV-2 from receipt of oral sex. Blood tests are NOT recommended for diagnosis in this setting. In you had acquired HSV-2 from your encounter, you would have developed herpes lesions by now. Time to relax and move on.
This is my 3rd response to your questions, thus, as per forum guidelines, this thread will soon be closed without further answers. Please don't worry. EWH
---