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Unprotected oral - Hepatitis risk
A few months back I performed unprotected oral on an female sex worker, and on a different occasion had unprotected oral performed on me by a different female SW. I have been checked for HIV (though I was assured I wouldn't have it from oral, all other sex has been protected.) and have no symptoms of anything, but was wondering if I was at significant risk for Hepatitis or any other STD's. Months and no symptoms, just a nagging at the back of my mind. I'm not particularly active sexually, should I worry about testing?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Sorry -- I missed that exposure. But it doesn't change my opinion or advice. There is little or no risk of any of the hepatitis viruses from mouth to penis.
Just one clarification if you don't mind: You mentioned cunnilingus, but not the unprotected oral performed on me by a SW. Is this also no risk? Thank you so much for the answer.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum and thanks for your question.
There is a theoretical possibility that hepatitis B could be transmitted by cunnilingus, but if so it is a microscopically low risk; it has never been reported to have happened. Hep C isn't sexually transmitted at all, at least not heterosexually, despite what you can find on many websites. And it's too late for hepatitis A testing. If you were infected, it's long gone by now; hep A lasts only a few weeks and there is no ongoing carrier state. There is no need for testing on account of theexposure you asked about.
On the other hand, CDC and other health advice experts recommend that everybody be tested once for hep B and C, and immunized against hep B if the results show no prior infection. So if you haven't been tested, consider doing so while it's on your mind. But not because of this sexual event.
I hope this has helped. Best regards-- HHH, MD
There is a theoretical possibility that hepatitis B could be transmitted by cunnilingus, but if so it is a microscopically low risk; it has never been reported to have happened. Hep C isn't sexually transmitted at all, at least not heterosexually, despite what you can find on many websites. And it's too late for hepatitis A testing. If you were infected, it's long gone by now; hep A lasts only a few weeks and there is no ongoing carrier state. There is no need for testing on account of theexposure you asked about.
On the other hand, CDC and other health advice experts recommend that everybody be tested once for hep B and C, and immunized against hep B if the results show no prior infection. So if you haven't been tested, consider doing so while it's on your mind. But not because of this sexual event.
I hope this has helped. Best regards-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
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STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
