sore tounge

[krscared1]

Dr. I frequent local massage parlors and engae in sex with several of the girls, some times unprotected vaginal sex, quite often onprotected oral both giving and receiving.  About two months ago while eating a red hot mint i irratated the tip of my tongue.  That irratation turned into what my dentist called a yaest infection.  no visible signs what soever just a tight sore tongue.  He prescribed a lozenger type medication which seemed to clear up the problem but has left me still with this metallic sometimes burning portion of my tongue at about the middle third. Because of my massage parlor habbit I always assume HIV when something goes wrong with my body, especially in the mouth. Of course I am married and cannot think about anything else.  The mouth seems to respond to probiotics and vitamin B supplements to some extent.  I have no other symptoms and tested negative about a year an a half ago.  Does it sound like I finally pushed it too far and have ruined mine and my families life or could this be a stuborn case of yeast that will eventually go away?  I am too scared to even go and get tested.  I don't know what to do.  I have not had as much as a cold in at least a year

[Popup]

Hi,
I'm thinking the same thing.  Would not unprotected vaginal sex with a sex worker qualify as a measurable risk?

[1-worried-guy]

I am very happy to hear that krscared1's HIV test came back negative.  However, Dr. H., I have to ask you what about his exposures lead you to assess it as such low risk.  I realize that such characterizations are relative, but he did indicate that he has had unprotected sexual intercourse with various commercial sex workers on numerous occasions.  At the very least, wouldn't this have warranted a recommendation to get tested (which krscared1 apparently did anyway)?

[krscared1]

Hi Doc.  Just tested negative today.  While I am here can you tell me why the yeast build up?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

People without HIV and with normal immune systems get oral yeast infections all the time.  Had it myself once.  Ask your dentist the reason--but poor oral hygiene is a good bet.  It also can happen in people who have taken antibiotics.  It can be acquired by performing oral sex on a partner with genital yeast infection.  In other words, all kinds of reasons--but most cases still happen on their own, without any known underlying cause.  Don't worry about it.

[krscared1]

You are 100% correct and I appreciate the cander.  I'm working on it.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You are at no measurable risk of HIV, sore tongue or not.

I have zero patience with 'I am too scared to even go and get tested'.  That is incredibly dumb, as you probably know.  (Be clear, I do not believe you need testing, except that the negative result is the best way to calm your inflated fears about HIV.)

And if you're so scared your behavior places you at risk for HIV, why are you still doing it?

Feel free to post a follow-up question after you are tested.  Until then, I will have no further comment.

HHH, MD