Am I ever at risk?

[seekingpeaceofmind2014]

I'm a gay man and the last test I had was about six years ago. Back then, I was told I was never really at risk but still did several rapid tests at week 4,6 and 8. All came back negative. Since then, I never had unprotected anal sex. However, like many people here, I do always have some concerns regarding sexual encounters I had during these years. Can you please tell me if any of these experiences have ever put me at risk? I am going to have a test in the next few days and I'm getting really nervous. Thank you for your help, doctor!

--I had unprotected oral sex with a friend about four years ago (I didn't know his status back then and we lost contact over these years). The oral sex was quick and we didn't eject in each other's mouth. I briefly had protected anal sex with him for about 1-2 minutes. I was the top during the intercourse and I didn't come during the anal sex. The condom was intact after the sex. I thought everything was fine but I had fever for 2 days about six weeks later. I was told by volunteers from other forums that I should not worry about the fever as this encounter never exposed me to HIV.

--In the same year, I had unprotected oral sex with a friend from college. It was also quick. No ejection in mouth at all

--About three years ago, I went to a gay bar. I got pretty drunk and french kissed a guy for several times that I just met. After the kisses I realized I had an open cut from chewing gum and it was still bleeding. I got very scared and did a post here (I used a different user name that I forgot). People here told me no one has ever got HIV from kissing regardless

---Later in the same year, I had unprotected oral sex with a guy I met online. I performed oral sex on him for less than 2 minutes and he didn't eject. He performed oral sex on me for about 30 minutes and I ejected twice in his mouth

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I'll be pleased to comment. The risk of HIV from the activities that you describe is miniscule. There is absolutely no risk for HIV from receipt of oral sex, from kissing or from participation in mutual masturbation, even if you partner's genital secretions get on you and your genitals.  There appear to be a very, very few cases of HIV which were transmitted as the result of giving HIV to an infected partner.  The estimated risk of transmission from performing oral sex on an infected partner is less than 1 infection per every 10,000 acts of oral sex (i.e. like performing oral sex on someone with HIV once a day for over 27 years).  In your case, you do not know that your partners have HIV and statistically it is doubtful that they do.  I agree with Teak that testing is reasonable but I would not worry in the least that you might be infected.

I hope this comment is helpful to you. EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, there is no need for you to  seek further testing. EWH

[seekingpeaceofmind2014]

Hi Dr. Hook,

I did a OraQuick rapid test and the result was negative. The possible exposures mentioned in my post are way beyond 3 months. Can the result be considered conclusive? Do you think I still need to go to a clinic for a test to confirm the result?

Thank you so much for your help and the dedication to the community!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I anticvipate your tests will be negative. Please don't worry but also please stay safe going forward. EWH

[seekingpeaceofmind2014]

Hi Dr. Hook, really appreciate your reply. Your explanation is very helpful. It's very important to know that performing oral sex is not completely safe. I am a little anxious but hopefully I'll get over it before my test. I should've asked everyone's status before each episode.

[seekingpeaceofmind2014]

Thank you, Teak. I'll have the test tomorrow. Still a little nervous but hearing it directly from you does make me feel more relaxed.

[Teak]

HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug users
Mother to child