Reassurance about tasting cum?

[pelville345]

Howdy,

I just need some quick reassurance. About 6 weeks ago, I gave a guy a handjob in his car and I also sucked him for about 30 seconds 3 different times in the process. He ejaculated on a napkin, and a few moments after he did that, I tasted some of his cum from the napkin. I only worried now because I've come down with a sore throat and laryngitis.

I get tested every year for STDs, and from what I've been reading on this great site, it seems like this particular encounter was a low risk type. It doesn't warrant HIV testing, does it?

Thank you!

Pel

[Andy Velez]

No Pel, it does not warrant testing.

Even if you had tasted his cum directly from his penis, your saliva has over dozen elements and proteins which very effectively prevent the transmission of viable HIV. Additionally in this specific situation, even if he was HIV+, once HIV is exposed to the air it very quickly begins to degenerate and become non-viable.

I don't see any cause for concern about transmission. If your sore throat persists that's something to discuss with your doctor. It has nothing to do with HIV

If you haven't already done so, please read our lesson on transmission. There's a link to it in the Welcome thread which opens this section.

[pelville345]

Hi Andy and all,

I was reading through the HIV transmission links on oral and it recommends from refraining from brushing/flossing immediately before performing oral sex, but what about after? About a month ago, I gave a guy a blowjob. He did not ejaculate in my mouth, but not too long after, I brushed my teeth and bled when I flossed. I also noticed what looked like a scab along my gumline and stupidly scratched it off. So I was a bit concerned that these actions might have raised my risk in spite of the protective saliva.

Secondly, what is the risk if a guy ejaculates on another's penis (on the glans/head area)? The same guy from above came on me, and although I don't think any of his cum came into contact with my penis, it was near. Had it happened though, I'm guessing that the virus would have inactivated from the air contact.

I've had 2 incidents of sore throats since then.

Do any of these incidents in particular warrant HIV testing? I'm set to get my yearly STD/HIV testing done in the summer but am wondering if I should go in sooner because of what I described.

Thanks again in advance for being such a wonderful resource! I've learned so much from you all.

-Pel

[Andy Velez]

Hi Andy and all,

I was reading through the HIV transmission links on oral and it recommends from refraining from brushing/flossing immediately before performing oral sex, but what about after? About a month ago, I gave a guy a blowjob. He did not ejaculate in my mouth, but not too long after, I brushed my teeth and bled when I flossed. I also noticed what looked like a scab along my gumline and stupidly scratched it off. So I was a bit concerned that these actions might have raised my risk in spite of the protective saliva.

NOPE. YOU ARE WORRYING NEEDLESSLY.

Secondly, what is the risk if a guy ejaculates on another's penis (on the glans/head area)? The same guy from above came on me, and although I don't think any of his cum came into contact with my penis, it was near. Had it happened though, I'm guessing that the virus would have inactivated from the air contact.

NO RISK WHATSOEVER. HIV IS A FRAGILE VIRUS. SEXUALLY IT REQUIRES THE KIND OF RECEPTIVE SETTING WHICH UNPROTECTED VAGINAL AND ANAL INTERCOURSE PROVIDE IN ORDER TO BE TRANSMITTED IN A VIABLE FORM.
I've had 2 incidents of sore throats since then.

A SORE THROAT IS NOT EVEN REMOTELY HIV-SPECIFIC.

Do any of these incidents in particular warrant HIV testing? I'm set to get my yearly STD/HIV testing done in the summer but am wondering if I should go in sooner because of what I described.

WE RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE WHO IS SEXUALLY ACTIVE OUT TO AT LEAST ANNUALLY HAVE A FULL STD PANEL DONE. OTHER STDs ARE MUCH EASIER TO ACQUIRE THAN HIV.

Thanks again in advance for being such a wonderful resource! I've learned so much from you all.

-Pel

YOU'RE WELCOME.

[pelville345]

Thanks again. It's great to hear that none of the particular incidents I mentioned above warrant HIV testing. I will go ahead and just do my routine yearly testing as usual.

[Andy Velez]

That's a good plan.

[pelville345]

Hi all,

I'm looking for some reassurance about what I'm sure is a low- to no-risk incident, but I'd like to be sure from the experts. I jerked off a guy in a bathroom a few weeks ago and he came on my hand. I proceeded to wash my hands after, but my mouth was REALLY dry so, without thinking about it, I used my hand to drink some water from the faucet. Of course later my mind started thinking, "What if some of his cum was still on my hand when I drank the water?" I don't know.

Now that I'm reading this, I know how silly this is sounding. I guess I'm only concerned because my mouth was really dry with hardly no saliva, and I tend to get throat rawness/bleeding from acid reflux so I don't know if that may count as an open wound in case I did swallow some of his cum. I always use protection during anal and was lasted tested in June (and I do it regularly), but I just want to know if you think I put myself at risk at all in this incident.

Thank you for your help and kindness!

[Andy Velez]

You are worrying needlessly. HIV is a fragile virus and is not transmitted in the manner which you are concerned about. Your hand could have been dripping with his cum and it would not have been viable and infectious in that way.

You need to know that the only confirmed risks for the sexual transmission of HIV are unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse. As long as you always use condoms for those activities you will be well protected.

This time there is no cause for concern nor for testing. Get on with your life.

[pelville345]

Thanks Andy!!!