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Author Topic: Danger from glory hole handjob?  (Read 14733 times)

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Offline bittie

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Danger from glory hole handjob?
« on: September 01, 2010, 10:23:41 pm »
I am posting this because I'm worried, like everyone else here. My question is simple, and I hope that someone here with the knowledge to answer it can help me ease my fears.

Two months ago, I visited my first "glory hole" at a gay video store in NYC. I wanted to watch through the glory hole, but when a man's hand appeared through it and grabbed my penis, I hesitated and let him massage me for a few moments (probably five seconds). He ran his fingers over the tip of my penis, at which time I became nervous (in case something might have been "left" on his fingers). I don't remember seeing or feeling anything, but I completely panicked and may not have remembered properly.

Since then, I have become almost obsessed with the idea that I caught HIV from this. I was previously under constantly under massive stress, which manifested itself as an ulcer, cramped muscles, and hemorrhoids. After this event, I developed a strange popping sensation on both side of my neck (like, my throat itself is "popping" when I press inward on it), and I feel like I have a lump almost permanently centered in my throat (and it causes me to constantly let out an "Ahem" to clear my throat). I have also noticed that many of my sore joints have started popping very regularly, the arches of my feet are sometimes in pain, and the skin on my neck (especially where there is beard hair) is now very tender. In times past, I have never had any of these things. Are any of these possible symptoms, as well?

Can someone please tell me if I am at risk for HIV from this short massage through the glory hole? What if there was semen or saliva (which could contain blood, right?) on his fingers and I didn't notice? I literally cannot sleep and my stomach is tied into painful knots. I have not had any other unprotected sexual encounters in the past few months. I have been tested for all urine-based STDs.

Thank you so very much for your time. I hope someone knowledgeable and confident can kindly assist as soon as possible.

Bless you,
-Sleepless in NY

Offline jkinatl2

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  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: Danger from glory hole handjob?
« Reply #1 on: September 01, 2010, 10:38:37 pm »
There is absolutely NO chance of being infected with HIV from the activities you described.
"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline bittie

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Re: Danger from glory hole handjob?
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2010, 10:45:56 pm »
Thank you very much, jkinatl2. I realize that far too many people flood these boards with "Well, what if..." questions, which I will not do.

I am just curious if the symptoms I described are common symptoms of an HIV infection - regardless of the slim-to-none chance that I contracted anything. I read that an initial infection can cause inflamed glands and sore muscles. I have do have that strange neck and throat discomfort (on both sides - could it be glands?), as well as those "pops" that have been plaguing me for almost six weeks now.

Thank you. If you would kindly humor me with one more generous reply, I will graciously leave you all be.

Offline jkinatl2

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Re: Danger from glory hole handjob?
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2010, 02:06:46 am »
There are, sadly, no "set" symptoms for HIV infection. A flu-like condition sometimes happens, and sometimes there are none whatsoever. Which is why regularly getting tested is so important.

The acts that you describe, given every single detail, do not in ANY WAY present a risk, however remote, for HIV infection.

"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Danger from glory hole handjob?
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2010, 08:41:43 am »
Bittie, just want to reinforce what JK has said to you about symptoms.

The only way to accurately know your HIV status is by having an HIV test at the proper time. If there has been a genuine sexual risk such as either unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, then 13 weeks is when you can get a conclusive result. Those are the only confirmed risk activities sexually. Anything else sexual is "theoretically" risky, but in the real world of HIV it's about unprotected intercourse.

You have no cause for further concern at this point about your recent activties.
Andy Velez

Offline bittie

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  • Posts: 3
Re: Danger from glory hole handjob?
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2010, 01:40:36 pm »
Thank you Andy and jkinatl2. I deeply appreciate your informed responses.

I will try my best to put these fears to bed - and will continue trying to figure out what else could be causing the aches and pains I am experiencing.

Again, bless you.

Offline Andy Velez

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  • Posts: 34,126
Re: Danger from glory hole handjob?
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2010, 03:06:44 pm »
Don't try to "figure" out what is causing your discomfort. Talk with your doctor. That's his job. All we know is they have nothing to do with HIV. 
Andy Velez

 


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