Cunnilingus concern

[Shark1]

In September 2024 I engaged in 69 position with a sex worker for 10 minutes . One month later I had shingles which I got over with valtrex but still have very mild PHN now. I also noticed my pants are looser and that my face is always flushed. Other than that I feel fine . Exercising, going to the gym and playing golf etc. I am 55 year old male so I know it’s not out of the norm to have shingles and I was working a lot and not getting rest right before the shingles outbreak so that may have been it as well but still concerned. Please advise

[Jim]

55 yo male with VZV, overworking and not getting sufficient rest has an outbreak,  it's not exactly shocking or sounding like a medical mystery, but shingles can be very nasty, have had it myself and as for the PHN, it's miserable, talk to your doc, there are a few different treatment options you can try.

In September 2024 I engaged in 69 position with a sex worker for 10 minutes

No HIV risk from this activity.

Receiving a blowjob lacks the conditions required for acquiring HIV, thus it makes sense that after nearly 40 years of this pandemic in terms of BJ's, there hasn't been a single documented case of HIV transmission to an insertive partner (the person being "sucked"), and you will not be the worlds first.

As for cunnilingus, well the fluid a woman produces when sexually excited comes from the Bartholin's glands; this is a lubricating fluid and does not have any more HIV present than other bodily secretions such as saliva, sweat or tears. Saliva, sweat and tears are not infectious fluids, In addition, although redundant, the mouth generally lacks a route and is a hostile environment towards HIV, and saliva is another barrier as it breaks down the receptors needed for HIV to infect.

In short, what you posted here isn't an HIV concern.

However, there are of course plenty of other far easier-to-transmit STIs you can get from these activities but not HIV, and there is no need to panic about STIs or run out and test, just get your yearly STI screening as normal whenever it's next due.

Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks:
Use condoms for anal or easier-acquired correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV and get vaccinated against HPV, Hepatitis A & B.

Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.

Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.

Kind regards

Jim

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[Shark1]

Appreciate your information Jim. I was concerned cause I have chapped lips and thought I might have had a cut and that might have created an entryway for an infection. Getting shingles a month after the encounter was scary cause they say that it could be first sign of hiv

[Jim]

Falls under asked and answered already and the condition of your lips makes no difference whatsoever.

As for timing, totally get it, I had a piss and flushed the toilet this morning and it started to rain, I must have caused it to rain. I also stubed my toe last month, first sign of a brain tumour perhaps? More likely I just stubed my toe like millions of other people without a brain tumour that day

Move on with your life. Use condoms for any intercourse and as you are sexually active get an STI screening yearly out of standard routine.