Please help really worried after hiv exposure.

I had 3 cases of oral sex with what i later found out to be a hiv positive male. I'm a man btw and really worried i have the virus. I also may herpes as it has flared up again and have had problems with it in the past. Though i'm not sure if its just a cut from sex but pretty sure. Should i be worried about having hiv or not?

[Teak]

You never had a risk. HIV is not transmitted by oral sex.

[Teak]

You never had a risk. HIV is not transmitted by oral sex.

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok thanks alot. So do you think a test is needed or no cause for concern?. Why on other wedsites do they state a low risk. Also the male that gave and recieved from me claimed he met a person who infact got it that way,. Though he said he had bad teeth and gums prior. Would smoking a pipe before hand increase the chances. Really thanks for writing back as i have a beautiful girlfriend now and would hate to hurt her..

[RainLover71]

We don,t comment on what other websites say,we say zero risk of hiv infection via oral sex on this forum and have the facts to back it up.Your friend,s,friend can say that he contracted the virus that way,doesn,t mean its true.Anyone can make up a story when asked how they contracted hiv and people have done that in the past to seek attention.Like the man that said he contracted the hiv virus from saliva from his infected son-Come on.Smoking a pipe before hand has nothing to do with increased chances.Go spend some time with your girlfriend and put this situation to bed.All the best.

[johnsmith23232323]

Thanks alot. I hope this puts it to rest. I know it is stupid but have never had anything like this in my life happen. Thank you again and i really hope you are right.. All the best

[johnsmith23232323]

Also sorry one more thing. I was just wondering if you have any qualifications or anything in the matter. I know its pretty silly but it could be life or death really couldn't it. I wanna know the risk for sure please

[RainLover71]

I worked for the AIDS ACTION and as a support worker caring for people living with hiv.You learn so much just asking them questions.Got 2 uni degrees and have gone out of my way to reasearch the facts on hiv not the myths.If your speculating about my qualifications then look no further than the first answer you received by a man who knows more about hiv than anybody else on this forum,just read his profile and he told you,you never had a risk from oral sex.Your not going to find a better hiv expert than Teak.

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok i wasn't doubting or anything i just wanted to be sure as it is a big thing for me.. Thank you both for your advice. Does this mean testing isn't necercery?,. Sorry bout my spelling. The oral was quite rough. Does that matter at all?. Thanks again

[RainLover71]

No testing required and the rough oral makes no difference,your safe.

[johnsmith23232323]

Why do some wedsites say the myth is it can't be transmitted that way. As in some people have got it. I'm just worried cause it was awhile ago and i can't remember if i had the seroconversion illness or whatever. Once again sorry for the spelling

[RainLover71]

No cases of hiv transmission from oral sex have ever been substantiated.There is to much factual evidence recorded to confirm that oral sex is a zero risk activity for hiv transmission.

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok thanks alot guys,. This is a massive load off my mind!.. I just don't understand why they don't say no risk if it is infact no risk. One last question but if you can. I recently found out i herpes. Will that increase my risk at all?.

[RainLover71]

Not from oral sex it won,t.

[johnsmith23232323]

OK thanks.. Would u give the same advice to a family member or loved one?. Just curious as i know its low risk but there still is a chance don't you aggree

[johnsmith23232323]

Another problem with this i think is that if i infact did get it through oral. No one would believe me like the others.. In all your time as health care workers and what not have you come accross hiv through oral. Sorry i know im repeating myself but i need 100% confidence so i don't infect my girlfriend

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

[johnsmith23232323]

Can you please just assure me so i don't have to worry.. What if you guys are wrong??. I don't mean offence i am just worried about my health and that of my girlfriends...

[johnsmith23232323]

Should i go to the doctors or no risk at all. How can you so no risk from such little info??

[Teak]

MOVE ON.

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok i guess you know what your talking about. Sorry but all this stuff was a big eye opener for me. Thank you for your time and i really hope your right:).. Thanks every body and be well

[johnsmith23232323]

There is really no need to be like that but just so you know. I know your positive so it must be abit of a sore subject when someone says oral as a risk. Don't you think you have conflicting interests??. I don't mean to be rude, i am only worried about my health and girlfriend. Please don't take this the wrong way...

[Vance2335]

No one is belng rude. Read the forum guidelines and you will see that excessive posting is against the rules. It's considered excessive posting because this foum has said the same thing again and again to you about this subject.

Give me a minute and I will post some info that I hope helps.

[Vance2335]

No incident HIV infections among MSM who practice exclusively oral sex.
Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WePpC2072)??Balls JE, Evans JL, Dilley J, Osmond D, Shiboski S, Shiboski C, Klausner J, McFarland W, Greenspan D, Page-Shafer K?University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States

Oral transmission of HIV, reality or fiction? An update
J Campo1, MA Perea1, J del Romero2, J Cano1, V Hernando2, A Bascones1
Oral Diseases (2006) 12, 219–228

AIDS: Volume 16(17) 22 November 2002 pp 2350-2352
Risk of HIV infection attributable to oral sex among men who have sex with men and in the population of men who have sex with men

Page-Shafer, Kimberlya,b; Shiboski, Caroline Hb; Osmond, Dennis Hc; Dilley, Jamesd; McFarland, Willie; Shiboski, Steve Cc; Klausner, Jeffrey De; Balls, Joycea; Greenspan, Deborahb; Greenspan
Page-Shafer K, Veugelers PJ, Moss AR, Strathdee S, Kaldor JM, van Griensven GJ. Sexual risk behavior and risk factors for HIV-1 seroconversion in homosexual men participating in the Tricontinental Seroconverter Study, 1982-1994 [published erratum appears in Am J Epidemiol 1997 15 Dec; 146(12):1076]. Am J Epidemiol 1997, 146:531-542.

Studies which show the fallacy of relying on anecdotal evidence as opposed to carefully controlled study insofar as HIV transmission risk is concerned:

Jenicek M. "Clinical Case Reporting" in Evidence-Based Medicine. Oxford: Butterworth–Heinemann; 1999:117
Saltzman SP, Stoddard AM, McCusker J, Moon MW, Mayer KH. Reliability of self-reported sexual behavior risk factors for HIV infection in homosexual men. Public Health Rep. 1987 102(6):692–697.Nov–Dec;

Catania JA, Gibson DR, Chitwood DD, Coates TJ. Methodological problems in AIDS behavioral research: influences on measurement error and participation bias in studies of sexual behavior. Psychol Bull. 1990 Nov;108(3):339–362.

There is no debate (among experts) about the HIV risks associated with oral sex. The risk is so low that almost nobody who cares for HIV infected patients has ever had a patient believed to have been infected that way. Among experts, it's a semantic issue about using terms like "no risk" and "very low risk". There is no difference between my or Dr. Hook's use of "low risk" and other experts' "no risk".
DR. HANSFIELD

"And oral sex is basically safe sex -- completely safe with respect to HIV and although not zero risk for other STDs, the chance of infection is far lower than for unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Please educate yourself about the real risks. If you stick with oral sex and condom-protected vaginal or anal sex, you have no HIV worries and very little worry about other STDs. " DR HANSFIELD

"I am sure you can find lots of people who belive that HIV is transmitted by oral sex, but you will not find scientific data to support this unrealistic concern..." DR HOOK

"HIV is not spread by touching, masturbation, oral sex or condom protected sex."- DR. HOOK

in the public HIV Prevention forum of MedHelp, TEAK and the other moderators maintain that oral sex in all forms is a zero risk activity. Would you agree with this assessment?
I TOTALLY AGREE / DR GARCIA

"HIV is not spread by masturbation, through oral sex, through kissing or other casual contact.  -Dr.Hook


"There is no credible evidence that HIV is spread through oral sex, with or without the presence of cuts or blood in the persons mouth."-Dr.Hook


"Oral sex. there is no evidence that HIV is spread through giving or receiving oral sex" Dr.Hook


"I'm not sure why you are considering further testing.  HIV is not spread through oral sex." Dr.Hook


HIV is not spread through giving or receiving oral sex" Dr.Hook

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok thank you for all this information. I don't know who Dr hook is through so i guess the last question before i end this. Is can i trust this site enough with my life?. I am not sure after everything i have read. I know it's low. But you never know..

[Vance2335]

Dr.Hook and Dr.Handsfield are in the expert forum on this website. They have worked in the STD and HIV field combined for over 60 years. They know what they are talking about.

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok i guess thats good enough. I have had symtoms (symptoms) such as white tongue which looked alot like thrush. Please i really haven't been feeling that well and itchy skin. Saw they were signs. These incedents happend over a year ago btw. Are you 100% certain that there is no risk or really should i seek medical help?.

[Vance2335]

Question has been answered several times. We are not here playing games, trust me each of us believe that it is not a risk based on research and that research is based on studies done.

[johnsmith23232323]

What about the study that found 7% people from oral. I know that study came into question but there are others which say about 1 to 5 percent. That is not risk free. Are you sure you can safely say this even if body fluids are exchanged?. Any chance a doctor could comment?

[Vance2335]

If you want a Dr to comment then you have to pay.

The studies I cited were active where they followed people and tested them. The other studies were after report. Where after the person tests positive they get interviewed and discuss risk. Several flaws.

We can't keep going around and around our answer is not going to change.

[johnsmith23232323]

But the truth is most doctors don't know. How can you feel confident saying no risk. Doesn't that risk you being suide or every worse messing up someones life?.

[LIZZIE LOU]

you have been assessed as not having a risk for contracting hiv.  our answers will NOT change no matter how many times you come back.  NO risk is NO risk ! !

you do not have a hiv concern.

[johnsmith23232323]

Ok thank you. Sorry for pushing the point. I'm just not sure if i should trust an online forum with my life. I believe you have the right intentions but, atleast i hope... Be well and thanks again

[johnsmith23232323]

Who are you anyways?. Why should i trust an online forum?. If it happend to you would you feel the same?

[johnsmith23232323]

I just read this saying not to trust any comments from users?. So what right do you have telling me it is no risk when it could infact be.. Really i need some substantial, this is my life we are talking about not a petty game

[LIZZIE LOU]

you were ALSO given quotes from the hiv specialists here at medhelp...DRS who specialize in hiv.

you are free to go elsewhere if you dont like the answers you receive.

[johnsmith23232323]

And what about this qoute.. "While it is agreed that oral sex has a much lower HIV-infection risk than vaginal and anal sex, HIV can be transmitted through both insertive and receptive oral sex,[19] when there is contact between semen or vaginal fluid and the mucus membranes of the mouth"????

[johnsmith23232323]

The guy had a **** ring the first time to and it was rough, I'm sure there was cum but he says there wasn't.. As if you wouldn't be worried!.. Please someone answer honestly

[RainLover71]

If your so paranoid about this situation get tested and be done with it.Its obvious that you have made up your own mind about this matter anyway.

[johnsmith23232323]

No i haven't,. I just wanna be 100% sure not to test is all. I really don't think i could go through with the test atm,. But if there is no risk, even with rough sex. And possible herpes infection then i'll take your word for it. But please. Also the guy was in his 60s. Says undetecable but who knows. Could all this increase the chance?

[johnsmith23232323]

Your doctors say in general. And bried. When discribing oral sex. They never say for certain. Also prolonged hard unprotected sex must have a risk. Just tell me if i'm wrong and i'll drop it... If this is wrong too btw you guys would be in alot of  trouble.. So i think honesty is the best and factual agurements instead of just no, no risk. It simply doesn't make sense to me.

[johnsmith23232323]

brief contact i mean't sorry

[RainLover71]

The only way someone can overcome hiv anxiety is by testing and receiving there result.If you don,t beleive what our doctors say then no one on this forum can help you.

[RainLover71]

Well said!Being rational always helps.

[johnsmith23232323]

But what you are saying is there was no risk anyways. Is that correct. Would you do it?, knowing there is no risk and that?

[johnsmith23232323]

Wow after being scared as for some time and just wanting to know whats up you guys don't show much sympothy. I just wanted to know there was no risk that was all. Sorry i am new to this stuff and it is my first experience with hiv. Honestly it scared me alot..

[johnsmith23232323]

So should i test??

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

[Elstupido80]

mate I'm going through the same thing right now, admittedly probably even lower risk than you. the only thing to do is man up and get tested, its quick, painless and it will put your mind at rest. And not only that, it's just good manners if your in a relationship where you could risk infecting your faithful partner with any STI. God himself could tell you its a no risk activity and you wouldn't believe him until you get a negative test result. honestly, take the test, forget about it until you get the results, then panic if you need to (which you wont) and when you get your negative results will you come back and share it with us?

[Teak]

You never had an exposure either, so move along.

[johnsmith23232323]

They seem to think i have had no risk. I just don't understand how it is no risk. Can you order tests that work online?..

[johnsmith23232323]

Does that mean i can have oral again without worrying??..

[Elstupido80]

Dude,

Listen to Teak, he has been on here for years and from what I gather he has been spot on about peoples risk so far. You've just spent three days posting about your anxiety. in that three days you could have gone to a testing site, had the test done, got your negative result and spent your time doing the things you love with your loved ones. no need to test online. but if your obsessively worried about it, get off the computer go get your test, come back in a couple of hours and tell us your negative. Your long past any window period for exposure so any test done now will show your negative status and give you the re-assurance you seek. but as teak said YOU ARE NOT AT RISK :-) lifes too short buddy, either move on or go get tested and then move on. the only positive outcome from this will be the peace of mind you get from knowing you are NEGATIVE :-)

[Emily_MHModerator]

This thread is now closed.  The original question has been answered several times.

Best wishes,
Emily


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