Worried

Dear Doctors,

I'm a man living in london, Last night I kissed very deeply (with tongues etc) a transexual male. So essentially I kissed a homosexual man (he was from Portugal).

I wouldn't normally be worried but my gums always bleed when I brush my teeth and I have a tendency to suck in the inside of my cheeks which can leave them (the insides of my cheeks) sore and open, also I do bite the insides of my cheeks quite a lot which causes them to bleed. So I could have had cuts in my mouth when I kissed him. This all happened in London England where the HIV rate between gay men is relatively high. I think I read it's about 10%

Do you think I should get PEP or be tested because of this?

Regards
Shawn

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  HIV Is not transmitted by kissing of any sort- deep or otherwise.  There has never been a case in which HIV is transmitted by kissing, even if the person had severe gum disease or sores in their mouth.  

In your case, not only was the exposure no risk but you do not even know that your partner had HIV.  In fact it is not likely that he did. most men who have sex with other men do not.

Thus, in summary, this was a no risk event which should not worry you. There is no need for concern, no need for testing and certainly no reason for PEP.  I hope my comments are helpful to you. EWH

[Jamshawn00]

Thanks for the reply,

I doubt it will make any difference but just in case, I think I also had a small cut on my lip when I kissed him. not actively bleeding. Does this make any difference to your response? Should I still not get PEP or be tested because of this?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No this makes no difference at all. there is no reason to even consider PEP.EWH