Oral Sex Risk - Ejaculation and Small Cuts/Abrasions

I engage in unprotected MSM receptive oral sex, sometimes with ejaculation. Thinking that I have engaged in little to no risk activity, I have not had an HIV test for about 4 years.  My partners have always said they were HIV- but one never can be sure. I recently realized that I periodically have small abrasions/pinpoint cuts on my cheeks caused by molars/crowns rubbing them. I think this situation has existed for 3 or 4 years without me realizing it. Now, of course, I am worried. Please advise on my risks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. There is no reason for you to be concerned about HIV risk if your only sexual exposures since your last test were oral sex.  Despite the fact that so very many people often have small cuts and abrasions within their mouths, there are no data to suggest that HIV is either  acquired or gotten through oral sex.  The quoted figure for HIV risk, if one has oral sex (giving or receiving) with an infected partner is less than 1 in 10,000 and, in my estimation that is too high.  This figure has been quote for years however 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.  In fact, we do not see oral sex specifically as a reason for HIV testing.

I hope this comment is helpful to you.EWH

[UABguy57]

Thank you for your very timely response. I appreciate the service you perform and the advice you and DR HH do for people like me. I am proud you are on the faculty of my alma mater, UAB.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help and thanks. EWH