Risk Assessment - Oral Episode

[Kyle234]

I am a 25 year old gay man.  Last November I tested negative for HIV.  My test at that time arose from my concern about giving countless blow jobs to strangers (each time letting them ejaculate in my mouth) between early 2004 and August 2005.  I have not given anyone a blow job since August 2005, that was, until today.  In a moment of weakness, during a mutual masturbation session, I took a guy's penis in my mouth two times, each time for for approximately five seconds.  I did not deep throat him, nor did he ejaculate.  I did not detect the presence of precum on his penis, but it may have been there, I cannot be certain.

From what I have read on this forum about the transmission of HIV by giving blow jobs, I assume that this episode of oral sex would not warrant testing for HIV.  Is this an accurate assessment?  If I were to test for this incident, I also assume that I could expect a negative result.

I do understand, however, that by performing oral sex on a man, one might contract a number of other STD's, all of which I would need to test for(and should test for on a yearly basis anyway).

Thank you so much for the wonderful advice you provide on this forum, and in advance for your responses to my question.

Regards,
Kyle

[RapidRod]

Kyle, giving oral to a man is at the very bottom of the risk scale. I wouldn't make a effort to run out and take a test. Since you are sexually active, just be tested at your annual visits. Make sure you always use condoms for your anal sex and plenty of waterbase lube. Oral STDs are not as prominent as one might think, but just add the panel at your annual health check up also.

[Ann]

Kyle,

Actually, according to this recent article at Aidsmap.com, gonorrhea infections in the throat are common and frequently without symptoms. You would be wise to have your throat swabbed for gonorrhea at your next check up. You must be due for one, as you mentioned that your last one was last November.

However, I do agree with Rodney that you don't really need to worry about hiv infection in the specific incident you are worried about.

Ann

[Kyle234]

Thank you, RapidRod and Ann, for confirming that HIV infection is not possible from this episode.

[Ann]

Kyle,

Just to clarify, it is theoretically possible (if you have really terrible oral hygiene, for example) but so is getting struck by a meteorite the next time you walk out your front door. Highly unlikely.

Ann

[Kyle234]

That is an amusing analogy, Ann.  In all of recorded human history, no one has ever been killed by a meteor. But there have been a number of people struck by them, as well as some who were nearly struck, along with many cases of damage to animals and property. 

My oral health is excellent.  In my book, with your lovely meteorite analogy, that's as close to "impossible" that one could probably come. 

Thank you, Ann.  I shall not get tested on the basis of this incident.

Warm regards,
Kyle

[RapidRod]

Kyle, don't tell me you believe the stories of gutted farm animals and that they were depleated of all their blood do you? Just kidding you bud, have a good day.

[Kyle234]

You're very playful today, RapidRod!  It suits you, bud!   

You guys have a great day, too.

Kyle

[Andy Velez]

Kyle, I will add just one further comment to what you've heard from Ann and Rod.

It seems from what you've written that you are having oral sex frequently. Because other STDs are much easier to pick up than is HIV, I suggest you do the full STD panel more frequently than annually -- say every six months rather than just annually.

Your choice of course, but that would be my recommendation.

Cheers, 

[Kyle234]

Thank you, Andy, for taking the time to reply.  Only one penis has passed my lips (and for a duration of no more than 10 seconds) in the last 14 months.  Prior to that, however, it could perhaps be said that I was rather wanton and indiscriminate when it came to oral sex. 

In any event, given my recent monk-like status, I assume that yearly testing will be sufficient.

Again, my thanks to all who have responded in connection with this oral episode.

Kind regards,
Kyle