Oral Risk- Scared to Death

[scaredhiv]

So here is the deal. I am a 24 year old gay bottom. This summer I had a few casual sexual encounters with different men. These encounters began in June and by the middle of August I had wised up. All of the encounters were protected anally and unprotected oral (only one instance of ejaculation in the mouth.) Around 6 weeks after the last encounter- the one with ejaculation in the mouth I began to develop a few ARS like symptoms including swollen occipital nodes on both sides, posterior cervical nodes on both sides (both no bigger than a cm), and swollen nodes under the jaw. I also experienced 3 or 4 bouts of diahrea before I noticed any swollen nodes and night sweats (although this may simply have been the fact that I have no air conditioning.) There was never any fever or rash. Before the nodes I didn't even think about the possibility of HIV. I like many, I am sure, thought I was safe having protected anal sex and unprotected oral. To say that my anxiety is out of control is an understatement. I went to the doctors about 2 weeks after I noticed the nodes and she put me on an antibiotic for what she thought might be a middle ear infection (although she wasn't positive that was the problem.) About a week before I woke up unable to hear out of my left ear because of major wax buildup. She also told me to take claritin as it could just be allergies. I had hoped the ear infection and possibly an upper respiratory infection would be the case. Now almost 2 months later I still have several swollen nodes in my neck (although they have decreased in size some), and post nasal drip. The occipital nodes seem to be about 1 cm and the posterior cervical nodes about .5 cm. Sometimes I think I feel swollen nodes under my armpit although I can't be sure and there are certainly some shotty nodes in my groin. I admit that I touch the nodes in my neck almost constantly- but not vigorously or pinching. I also think that I have a very minor case of gingervitis on my lower gums, as they are receding and yesterday they were bleeding in one spot. Do the gums need to be actively bleeding for oral to be a risk? I want to believe everything that is said on here about oral sex not being a risk but there are so many other places on the web that say otherwise. I am particularly concerned by the swollen lymph nodes that have not gone away and are located in less common places on the neck (occipital and posterior cervical.)

[Ann]

Scared,

You're worrying needlessly. I will tell you this though - as a sexually active adult, you 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.

I'm NOT saying you need to test as a result of these specific encounters over the summer. I AM saying that ROUTINE check-ups are something all responsible adults do. It's no different than going for regular dental check-ups. You don't think to yourself - I brush my teeth daily, therefore I don't need to see a dentist.

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.

Ann

[scaredhiv]

Would any other STD cause the swollen lymph nodes I talk about. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond Ann

[Ann]

scared,

ANY type of infection can cause swollen lymph nodes. If you're worried, see a doctor. You can get things like gonorrhea in your throat, but the ONLY way to find out if you have is by getting a throat swab. Go get that complete sexual health check-up and you'll know where you stand. It's the ONLY way.

And please let this be the last post about your symptoms. We don't discuss symptoms here as NOBODY can diagnose your symptoms over the internet. That's what doctors and doctor's offices are for.

Ann