What Are Chances Of HIV Through Saliva?

Posted on Sat, 17 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 May 2014 Answered on

Fri, 6 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hello doctor recently i had protected sex with a prostitute and during our encounter she started stimulating my penis with her hand. during this time she spit on my penis for lubrication. is their a chance i could have contracted hiv through this incident? i also think i have a small cut or rash on my penis from excessive masturbation, so this is adding to my concern. what if the saliva went into it. thank you

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Small chances if there was a cut during the incident...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I read your query and I understand your concerns.

If there is a cut or lesion on your penis there is a small possibility of contracting HIV if she is HIV positive.

The chances of contracting through saliva are less than blood; but the risk exists when there are cuts and raw wounds. I recommend you get the test done.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Regards
Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (56 minutes later)

its not so much of a cut on my penis but more of a rash or abrassion. also she was using lubricant along with spit when she masturbated me. should i still test? i am unsure because i hear that hiv from saliva is not very possible. thank you

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I agree with you that chances with saliva are astronomically less; but it cannot be ruled out completely when you had cuts and abrasion. In my opinion, you should not ignore it as the chance of contracting HIV exist though remote.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (24 hours later)

so i have been thinking of taking an hiv dna pcr test for this exposure. the lab that offers them say that they give conclusive results after two weeks. what do you think doctor?

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
prophylactic therapy

Detailed Answer:
Hi

You can get DNA PCR done.

Even if it is negative start on antiretroviral prophylactic treatment for one month.

Get tested again after 1, 3 , 6 months to rule out infection.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Koregol (4 minutes later)

why do i need to go on therapy if the test is conclusive at two weeks? they say its very accurate and can detect a single virus.

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Window period

Detailed Answer:
Hi

There is window period of 3 months. The virus replicates and detectable after 3 months.

So if its negative after 6 months only that test confirms.

To reduce risk better to start treatment

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar