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Oral Sex

Dear Dr.
I had unprotected oral sex with a woman (both received and performed). Did not know her prior, but have been in contact with her throughout. She says she has never had a STD. I developed a rash (folliculitis diagnosed by my dermo, from sitting in sauna after work outs) 10 after the encounter. I also had groin pain where the lymph nodes reside, but never noticed any swelling. My groin area is still tender ( 8 weeks out) but could be due to that I am very active and not given anytime to rest. I have never had a fever, maybe a slight cold after, slight sweating at night (maybe anxiety) but never flu like symptoms or any other symptoms. I was tested for HIV at 41 days and had a negative result. My questions to you are:
1. Is the 41 day test good to go in your opinion?
2. What do swollen glands look/feel like? Can I tell the difference between that and a strained groin? How long do they stay swollen if indeed that is what it is?
3. Real risk of exposure?
Thank you

11 Responses
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300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No further testing is needed.  EWH
Helpful - 1
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You really have nothing to worry about.  The quoted figure for HIV risk, if one has OR receives oral sex with an infected partner is less than 1 in 10,000 and, in my estimation that is too high. Some experts state there is no risk at all from oral sex.  Neither of us on this site have ever seen or reading the medical literature of a convincing instance in which HIV was passed by oral sex.  

As for you test results, at 41 days, HIV testing would be expected to detect in excess of 98% of HIV infections acquired 41 days earlier.  When you combine this with the fact that your partner was most likely not HIV infected and that your only exposure a=was oral, your risk of HIV is less than 1 in a million.  Forget about the possibility of HIV from the exposure you describe.

Swollen lymph nodes/glands. Detection of swollen glands is a medical "art form".  Clinicians train hard to detect subtle abnormalities and to try to detect them in yourself is fraught with error, both because you might miss them and, if they are present, interpretation of why they are present is difficult.  This is because "glands" are lymph nodes which can swell due to any of a large number of infections both viral and bacterial, as well as due to allergic reactions, due to autoimmune disorders and other problems.  For this reason we encourage clients who are concerned about swollen glands to check with their own health care providers rather than try to diagnose themselves and, if swollen lymph nodes are present, not to worry about them in relationship to HIV because they are such a non-specific problem.

In your case, IF you lymph nodes n your groin are swollen, given the information above, you can be comfortable they are not due to HIV.

Hop[e this helps.  EWH
Helpful - 1
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Coinicidence, really.  there will be no further answers.  EWH
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The reason I am anxious is that my wife is very ill, diarrhea, nausea, extreme vomiting, after 6 weeks of us having sex. Should I be concerned by this or is it just coincidence. Thank you.
Helpful - 0
300980 tn?1194929400
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
My opinion has not changed. You do not need further testing.  EWH
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry for the post Dr. but out of anxiety over my 41 day test not being conclusive according to the other forum it says I should test at 12 weeks to be conclusive. I was going to do a Oraquick at the local clinic, would that be as good as my first test, since my first test was a lab based test ELISA I believe? Your thoughts, thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
To all that read posts, had lymph nodes in groin checked by my urologist and he said A ok, gave me a book about stress and its side effects and how our minds can make up symptoms. Reading the internet is hazardous. Thank you for your insight Dr.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you sir, you are very helpful and fast to answer people's needs, thanks again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Do I need more testing at the 3 month mark
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks Doc, I figured as much, just wanted a true professional opinion. Thanks again.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Forgot to add that I also saw my ENT and he said I was fine, no swollen nodes in neck/head region. And also only my right side is tender. Pain now is radiating to my right hip area just so slightly. Thank you
Helpful - 0

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