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Can HIV Be Contracted Through Oral Sex?
Posted on
Sun, 12 Jun 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 12 Jun 2016
Answered on
Tue, 12 Jul 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I gave unprotected oral sex 3 weeks ago. He did ejaculate in my mouth (not all of it got in my mouth, I pulled away as soon as I knew and the rest was on my hand). I swallowed it fast. Now my jaw is stiff (but I was poking and touching it a lot). Should I be worried that I contracted HIV? I plan to be tested around 12 weeks post event, but I am very worried. What is the risk in my situation?
Brief Answer:
It's possible but the risk is low
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although unprotected sexual acts may result in HIV transmission, receptive oral sex may result in transmission in only 1 out of 10,000 sexual acts, so the risk is low but still existent. If your partner knows his HIV status (or if he knows that he has another sexually transmitted disease - STD) then this piece of information would be very helpful. Otherwise you should do a baseline test to check whether you already had HIV or not and test later for transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis cannot be applied to you. If more than 72 hours have passed since the incident then it's too late.
I hope you find my comments helpful (and reassuring too!).
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
It's possible but the risk is low
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
although unprotected sexual acts may result in HIV transmission, receptive oral sex may result in transmission in only 1 out of 10,000 sexual acts, so the risk is low but still existent. If your partner knows his HIV status (or if he knows that he has another sexually transmitted disease - STD) then this piece of information would be very helpful. Otherwise you should do a baseline test to check whether you already had HIV or not and test later for transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis cannot be applied to you. If more than 72 hours have passed since the incident then it's too late.
I hope you find my comments helpful (and reassuring too!).
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for answering. My partner claimed he tested HIV (His quote: May 1st, all clean) negative a few weeks prior, and his last encounter was protected (with a condom). While I do not know if he was telling the truth, he has devoutly defended his HIV status as negative, but I have not seen any proof. Are the symptoms I am experiencing related to acute retroviral syndrome? My last HIV test was negative on March 28th, 2016 and haven't engaged in any high risk sexual activity since then (ie unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse). I get tested once every 3-6 months based on my sexual activity, which is relatively low.
A few other notes: I was treated for syphilis over a year ago, but my RPR was non-reactive at the time of diagnosis (FTA-ABS repeat positive). I sought the opinion of a specialist who said that she was not concerned about any complications and that the non-reactive RPR could be a result of past treatment without knowledge considering the list of antibiotics I told her I had taken in the past for other issues. I have chronic sinus issues, and I had a slightly scratchy throat that day (nothing came of it), but my left tonsil has looked for a while like it had a white dot on it (well before this encounter). Probably post nasal drip since I wake up congested a lot. I also have OCD and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder secondary to a severe accident which makes my anxiety very high. I am currently in therapy for treatment of that.
A few other notes: I was treated for syphilis over a year ago, but my RPR was non-reactive at the time of diagnosis (FTA-ABS repeat positive). I sought the opinion of a specialist who said that she was not concerned about any complications and that the non-reactive RPR could be a result of past treatment without knowledge considering the list of antibiotics I told her I had taken in the past for other issues. I have chronic sinus issues, and I had a slightly scratchy throat that day (nothing came of it), but my left tonsil has looked for a while like it had a white dot on it (well before this encounter). Probably post nasal drip since I wake up congested a lot. I also have OCD and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder secondary to a severe accident which makes my anxiety very high. I am currently in therapy for treatment of that.
Brief Answer:
HIV not likely
Detailed Answer:
The primary HIV infection usually presents as a serious and persistent pharyngitis with enlarged lymph nodes, etc. A diarrheal syndrome is also possible. You haven't described your symptoms in detail but you haven't mentioned fever, lymph nodes, white patches, etc.
I don't believe that your syphilis history increases your current risk but it proves that you should be more cautious if you want to avoid untoward incidents in the future.
Regarding the single white spot on your tonsil it could also be a tonsillolith. Your doctor will be able to tell.
Kind regards!
HIV not likely
Detailed Answer:
The primary HIV infection usually presents as a serious and persistent pharyngitis with enlarged lymph nodes, etc. A diarrheal syndrome is also possible. You haven't described your symptoms in detail but you haven't mentioned fever, lymph nodes, white patches, etc.
I don't believe that your syphilis history increases your current risk but it proves that you should be more cautious if you want to avoid untoward incidents in the future.
Regarding the single white spot on your tonsil it could also be a tonsillolith. Your doctor will be able to tell.
Kind regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Again, thank you. I do not see any white patches that do not disappear after expelling sputum. Some slight discomfort in my throat is present, but not consistent, but I am also a smoker.
I had diarrhea and a slight fever (one time fever that lasted for about 5 hours at the end of the event), but that was also consistent with food poisoning as it occurred just after consuming food from a deli. No enlarged lymph nodes that I can detect. I had spoken with another doctor on here regarding that issue and it's relation this event, but the jaw pain was a recent development.
It may also help to know that I did a check on my mouth prior to engaging in oral sex. I found no abrasions, sores, or bleeding present and did not brush my teeth before either.
I had diarrhea and a slight fever (one time fever that lasted for about 5 hours at the end of the event), but that was also consistent with food poisoning as it occurred just after consuming food from a deli. No enlarged lymph nodes that I can detect. I had spoken with another doctor on here regarding that issue and it's relation this event, but the jaw pain was a recent development.
It may also help to know that I did a check on my mouth prior to engaging in oral sex. I found no abrasions, sores, or bleeding present and did not brush my teeth before either.
Brief Answer:
the risk is still low
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome and thanks for the additional information.
When no abrasions are present the risk is very low, so it's good that you checked for them. Regarding your symptoms, I can say that your description does not sound at all like the typical primary infection but the laboratory tests will provide all the answers anyway. You can't receive any treatment at this time so waiting is your only option.
If the symptoms evolve then you'd better visit your doctor for assessment. Clinical examination is very important in this regard.
Kind regards!
the risk is still low
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome and thanks for the additional information.
When no abrasions are present the risk is very low, so it's good that you checked for them. Regarding your symptoms, I can say that your description does not sound at all like the typical primary infection but the laboratory tests will provide all the answers anyway. You can't receive any treatment at this time so waiting is your only option.
If the symptoms evolve then you'd better visit your doctor for assessment. Clinical examination is very important in this regard.
Kind regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The only other symptom I can describe is a scratchy clogged feeling in my ears, though I flew twice in the last 48 hours as well. These symptoms also seem to go away when I am distracted. It is sort of like that pre-cold scratchy feeling in my ears (with some pressure), but no cold symptoms are coming, and it isn't in my throat. The other thing I should mention is that I obsess over this (in therapy as mentioned before). I even had protected sex once before and still worried to the point where I had similar symptoms (and tested negative). So some may be psychologically driven as well. I suppose that what I ask of you is to tell me if you would be concerned if you were my physician and I presented to you with these issues. It is too soon to be tested as well. I am aware the the risk of HIV transmission is very low when it comes to oral sex, which is why I opted not to engage in other sexual activity.
Brief Answer:
no worries statistically...
Detailed Answer:
You already know that the numbers are favorable. The risk is very very low. It's not zero though, so there are no significant worries but nobody can exclude transmission. Even if only 1 out of 10,000 get HIV this way, this unlucky person will suffer 100%, so this is a warning for the future. Your psychological issues may be the reason you're so worried but being exposed to such a serious disease is a good reason to worry anyway even if the risk is low. It's just that you shouldn't let it affect your everyday life.
So to your question... I wouldn't worry if I were your physician but I would recommend testing just in case. And I would have emphasized the benefits of prevention regarding so serious diseases.
Kind Regards!
no worries statistically...
Detailed Answer:
You already know that the numbers are favorable. The risk is very very low. It's not zero though, so there are no significant worries but nobody can exclude transmission. Even if only 1 out of 10,000 get HIV this way, this unlucky person will suffer 100%, so this is a warning for the future. Your psychological issues may be the reason you're so worried but being exposed to such a serious disease is a good reason to worry anyway even if the risk is low. It's just that you shouldn't let it affect your everyday life.
So to your question... I wouldn't worry if I were your physician but I would recommend testing just in case. And I would have emphasized the benefits of prevention regarding so serious diseases.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello, I just wanted to follow up.
This week I got what I think was just a cold. It started with a headache that felt like sinuses on Tuesday. I used saline spray and the next morning the headache was gone, though I blew my nose and the mucus was dark yellow. Symptoms developed into a classic common cold. Runny nose and congestion, slight scratchy throat, sore jaw, painful sinuses, and swollen sub mandibular lymph nodes (the two closest to my Adam's Apple on each side).. Yesterday it developed into what seemed like croup (I used to get it as a kid, and had this same thing about 3 years ago). Today I feel better, but I just wanted to check and make sure that this was unrelated to anything.
This week I got what I think was just a cold. It started with a headache that felt like sinuses on Tuesday. I used saline spray and the next morning the headache was gone, though I blew my nose and the mucus was dark yellow. Symptoms developed into a classic common cold. Runny nose and congestion, slight scratchy throat, sore jaw, painful sinuses, and swollen sub mandibular lymph nodes (the two closest to my Adam's Apple on each side).. Yesterday it developed into what seemed like croup (I used to get it as a kid, and had this same thing about 3 years ago). Today I feel better, but I just wanted to check and make sure that this was unrelated to anything.
Brief Answer:
not HIV...
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
this description fits a typical common cold case. The HIV primary infection is not supposed to present like that at all! Don't worry about it!
Best regards!
Brief Answer:
translucent? Perhaps a misunderstanding...
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
I can't comment on this "finding". The skin in this area is soft and thin and may let the light pass through it, but complete translucency is not possible. If you believe this is something abnormal, you'd better visit your doctor for inspection. I believe it's only due to anxiety that makes you think negatively about it. The tonsillolith is not related to skin thinning.
Croup refers to narrowing of the large airways due to swelling, that may cause inspiratory stridor and characteristic "barking" cough. Croup may develop soon after the presentation of a respiratory tract infection (influenza or other viruses).
Ear pain is possible because the eustachian tube is partially obstructed by swelling and discharge. Rinsing the nostrils with normal saline and in some cases nasal corticosteroids may help. If the sinuses are involved antibiotic treatment might be required. Your symptoms though are more likely to be caused by a virus.
Kind Regards!
not HIV...
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
this description fits a typical common cold case. The HIV primary infection is not supposed to present like that at all! Don't worry about it!
Best regards!
Brief Answer:
translucent? Perhaps a misunderstanding...
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
I can't comment on this "finding". The skin in this area is soft and thin and may let the light pass through it, but complete translucency is not possible. If you believe this is something abnormal, you'd better visit your doctor for inspection. I believe it's only due to anxiety that makes you think negatively about it. The tonsillolith is not related to skin thinning.
Croup refers to narrowing of the large airways due to swelling, that may cause inspiratory stridor and characteristic "barking" cough. Croup may develop soon after the presentation of a respiratory tract infection (influenza or other viruses).
Ear pain is possible because the eustachian tube is partially obstructed by swelling and discharge. Rinsing the nostrils with normal saline and in some cases nasal corticosteroids may help. If the sinuses are involved antibiotic treatment might be required. Your symptoms though are more likely to be caused by a virus.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you! That's what I thought. Now something a little more unrelated. There is a part of my mouth (the flap of flesh in front of my right tonsil) that has become translucent. I can see my tonsil flex through the skin. (Remember, I am a smoker). It is also ironically on the same side where I believe I have a tonsolith.
Another question, usually the croup is a precursor to an upper respiratory infection. Are there cases where one develops croup at the end? I've noticed significant improvement today, so I wonder. Also, can ear pain happen with the common cold?
Another question, usually the croup is a precursor to an upper respiratory infection. Are there cases where one develops croup at the end? I've noticed significant improvement today, so I wonder. Also, can ear pain happen with the common cold?
Brief Answer:
No sign of HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
it seems that my answer wasn't sent... anyway. I've seen the photos and they don't have anything suspicious regarding HIV or any other pathogen... Your throat seems normal.
Kind Regards!
No sign of HIV
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
it seems that my answer wasn't sent... anyway. I've seen the photos and they don't have anything suspicious regarding HIV or any other pathogen... Your throat seems normal.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I attached a few photos of my throat. Does anything look concerning? (HIV wise or other?)
Much appreciated.
Now to my cold:
Today is 7 days since my cold came on (started with a headache). The croup and cough loosened up, but now I am having trouble (with and without a humidifier) bringing up mucus from my chest at night. I wheeze and feel some discomfort taking a deep breath while in bed. During the day (after exercise) I am able to bring mucus up and expel it. Am I at risk for pneumonia/bronchitis? I ask because my mother had bronchitis/pneumonia earlier this year (caused by h. influenzae). Her treatment must not have been proper and led to sepsis and her death at the age of 59. Based on that, I am just more aware of certain things now.
Much appreciated.
Now to my cold:
Today is 7 days since my cold came on (started with a headache). The croup and cough loosened up, but now I am having trouble (with and without a humidifier) bringing up mucus from my chest at night. I wheeze and feel some discomfort taking a deep breath while in bed. During the day (after exercise) I am able to bring mucus up and expel it. Am I at risk for pneumonia/bronchitis? I ask because my mother had bronchitis/pneumonia earlier this year (caused by h. influenzae). Her treatment must not have been proper and led to sepsis and her death at the age of 59. Based on that, I am just more aware of certain things now.
Brief Answer:
there's always some risk but it doesn't sound like pneumonia...
Detailed Answer:
Since you're getting better except the night time symptoms, you're probably in less risk. Any respiratory tract infection may evolve into pneumonia, either as a primary manifestation of the disease or as a complication. Pneumonia will cause high grade fever most of the times (or at least low grade fever), so if you don't have fever, pneumonia is less likely.
Wheezing is a symptom of airway obstruction and has to be assessed by your doctor with auscultation. The obstruction can be caused either by secretions (mucus) or by narrowing of the lumen (bronchoconstriction). The second type is usually evident in patients with a history of bronchial asthma and requires treatment with bronchodilators and perhaps also corticosteroids (inhaled).
there's always some risk but it doesn't sound like pneumonia...
Detailed Answer:
Since you're getting better except the night time symptoms, you're probably in less risk. Any respiratory tract infection may evolve into pneumonia, either as a primary manifestation of the disease or as a complication. Pneumonia will cause high grade fever most of the times (or at least low grade fever), so if you don't have fever, pneumonia is less likely.
Wheezing is a symptom of airway obstruction and has to be assessed by your doctor with auscultation. The obstruction can be caused either by secretions (mucus) or by narrowing of the lumen (bronchoconstriction). The second type is usually evident in patients with a history of bronchial asthma and requires treatment with bronchodilators and perhaps also corticosteroids (inhaled).
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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