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Thrush and ARS
I am a male and performed oral on two men over the past month (Two weeks ago, three weeks and four weeks). They did ejaculate in my mouth. I just noticed what seems to be thrush like substance on my inner cheek. I also have an ongoing issue with canker sores. No other symptoms are apparent. I have two questions:
1. Is this thrush a symptom of hiv infection?
2. Are canker sores an issue for hiv infection? Is their presence during oral sex an increase risk for infection?
1. Is this thrush a symptom of hiv infection?
2. Are canker sores an issue for hiv infection? Is their presence during oral sex an increase risk for infection?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
With modern HIV tests, almost all infected people show positive by 4-6 weeks. Scan the existing threads and archives for literally hundreds of discussions about it.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Self diagnosis of thrush (yeast infection) because of a "substance" inside the cheek is very unreliable, especially if you are not a health professional. Second, even if you have thrush, it's not an indicator of HIV. Oral yeast infections occur from time to time in completely healthy people; I had it myself once. Finally, oral yeast is not a common sign of ARS; it is mostly seen in people with longstanding, advanced HIV infection. It is one of the infections that classifies an HIV infected person as having full-blown AIDS.
Canker sores (medical name aphthous stomtatitis) also are not an indicator of HIV. Canker sores remains a mystery, cause unknown, and sores in the mouth of various kinds, both aphthous stomatitis and other problems, occur with increased frequency in AIDS -- but like yeast infection, this also is a sign of full-blown AIDS, not early HIV infection.
Finally, I hope you asked your partners their HIV status. Among men who have sex with men, "do ask, do tell" is just as important a part of safe sex as using condoms for anal sex. And think how much less fearful you would be if you had been assured your partners had been tested recently with negative results. (Maybe you did ask. If so, congratulations -- and look at this mini-lecture as intended for other forum readers.)
Anyway, I wouldn't be concerned about your oral symptoms, but you should seek medical care if they persist. And if you haven't been HIV tested in the past year, this probably would be a good time, since it's on your mind. But not specifically because of this particular exposure or your oral symptoms.
I hope this helps. Stay safe-- HHH, MD
Canker sores (medical name aphthous stomtatitis) also are not an indicator of HIV. Canker sores remains a mystery, cause unknown, and sores in the mouth of various kinds, both aphthous stomatitis and other problems, occur with increased frequency in AIDS -- but like yeast infection, this also is a sign of full-blown AIDS, not early HIV infection.
Finally, I hope you asked your partners their HIV status. Among men who have sex with men, "do ask, do tell" is just as important a part of safe sex as using condoms for anal sex. And think how much less fearful you would be if you had been assured your partners had been tested recently with negative results. (Maybe you did ask. If so, congratulations -- and look at this mini-lecture as intended for other forum readers.)
Anyway, I wouldn't be concerned about your oral symptoms, but you should seek medical care if they persist. And if you haven't been HIV tested in the past year, this probably would be a good time, since it's on your mind. But not specifically because of this particular exposure or your oral symptoms.
I hope this helps. Stay safe-- HHH, MD
Dr H
How long after a sexual encounter must I wait before an accurate test result?
How long after a sexual encounter must I wait before an accurate test result?
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