[Question #8162] Hiv risk and general std risk
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48 months ago
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Hi doctor,
On July 9th 2021, I had an encounter on a hookup app with a woman where we had protected sex. It started with a protected blowjob for around 10 to 15 secs followed by vaginal protected sex. We used the same condom. In between I stopped to perform cunnilingus on her for a few seconds (10 to 20 secs), then continued having vaginal sex. There was some deep kissing and fingering involved as well. The vaginal sex was around 15 mins to 20 mins. Condom was always used from start to finish. Overall, I feel that it was a safe encounter even if she had HIV. I did ask her about her STD status and she said that she was clean and had gotten tested 3 to 4 months prior. Anyway after nearly 40 to 41 days after the encounter, I started getting a sore throat and ear pain. Is this a symptom of ARS and do you recommend testing?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
48 months ago
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Welcome to our forum and thanks for your question. Congratulations as well and on your commitment to safe sex. It will do much to protect you. The encounter you described was certainly within the category of safe sex. Condom protected sex is safe as long as the condom is worn throughout the encounter and does not break (which happens about 1% of the time). Cunnilingus is a very inefficient mechanism for acquisition of STI‘s, So that even if your partner did happen to have an STI it is unlikely he would have acquired it. Regarding HIV, I have never heard or seen or heard of a case of HIV which has been proven to have been acquired as a result of either receipt of oral sex or performing cunnilingus. This was a low risk encounter and I would see no reason for concern or for testing.
Regarding your sore throat, this timing is entirely wrong to be a manifestation of the ARS. Further when the ARS occurs, typically involves a very severe sore throat, high temperatures, and widespread muscle or joint aches. In addition, the ARS most typically occurs 2 to 4 weeks after exposure. Since more than six weeks have passed since your exposure, this too is indicative of the fact that you’re sore throat is not a manifestation of the ARS.
I would have no concerns regarding HIV or other STIS related to the encounter you describe. I hope this information and comments are helpful. If there are further questions, or clarification is needed, please feel free to use your up to do follow-ups for that purpose. Take care. Please don’t worry. EWH
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48 months ago
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Thank you doctor. I will not worry about this anymore. I had read that sometimes ARS can happen nearly 6 weeks after an exposure, plus I had a slight back pain along with the sore throat. So I thought it might have been related and decided to ask here. Pretty sure the two symptoms are unrelated though.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
48 months ago
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Thanks for your follow up. Very rarely ARS symptoms can occur that late but it is most unusual. When persons experience the ARS however symptoms are quite severe. Your symptoms really do not suggest the ARS. Further, given the nature of your exposure, your risk is virtually zero. I would not worry. EWH ---
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48 months ago
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Than you doctor.
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48 months ago
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One last question doctor. I am pretty assured by your answers so far. However since our last talk, I have got a slight fever of 99.6 Fahrenheit. It was taken orally in the evening. The sore throat has reduced a lot and the back pain has gone away. Does this change your diagnosis in anyway?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
48 months ago
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Your low grade fever does not change my opinion or advice. I see no medical reason for testing but if you choose to test for your own peace of mind, if your sore throat was due to HIV, a 4th generation test would be positive at this time. Personally I would not test but if you do, I’m confident it will be negative. I would not worry.
End of thread. Take care.
EWH
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48 months ago
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Thank you doctor. I will no longer worry about this.