Stupid Decision

[baseballforu07]

I'm a 23 year old male, but have only done sexual stuff with girls. Last Wednesday I gave/received a bj from a guy (while drunk), for the first time, who is 18. I asked him if he was clean, and he said he was (though I doubt he has ever been tested). He's had sex with two guys (only given), both times using a condom, and has given bj's to a few other guys. Anyways...he didn't ejaculate in my mouth, and I don't think he had any pre-ejeculate (but i'm not sure). I know this means the chances of contracting HIV are almost nil, but on Thursday when I went to brush my teeth, I realized that I had a big cut on part of my top gums and I don't know how long it's been like that.

About 48 hours later I developed a moderate sore throat and nasal conjestion, and it has surprisingly made me pretty concerned...probably due to him being my first male sexual encounter. I know I'm being paranoid, but what's the earliest acute HIV symptoms can show up? From what I've read, usually not until two weeks at the earliest.

I do plan on getting an HIV test done at some point just to calm my nerves, but does anyone have any reason in which I shoud be more concerned about this incident?

Thanks!

[Ann]

base,

We would appreciate it if you did not use the word "clean" to describe the state of a person's sexual health. Using this word implies that those of us who live with hiv are "dirty" and I can assure you, I take a shower every day. I am NOT dirty!

Getting a blowjob is NOT a risk for hiv infection. Never has been, never will be. Giving a blowjob is more a theoretical risk than anything, for several reasons. For one, saliva contains over a dozen different proteins and enzymes that damage hiv and render it unable to infect. Another reason is that hiv can only infect a very few, very specific types of cells and these cells are not found in any abundance in the oral cavity. Even though you may (or may not) have had a cut on your gum, I would not expect you to end up infected over this blowjob.

You don't say whether or not you used condoms when having intercourse with women - and I hope you have. If not, you need to test for hiv three months after your last unprotected encounter. Men can and do become infected through unprotected vaginal intercourse.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through all three condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Although you do not need to test over this mutual blowjob incident, anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann

[baseballforu07]

Thanks for the information!  I apologize for using the work "clean".  I certainly didn't mean for anyone to take offense from it. 

Yes, I have always used condom when being with a girl.