What is the risk of HIV from unprotected oral sex?

Question

Hello doctor,

I received a blowjob (without a condom) from a lady whose HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) status is unknown. It was about 30 seconds long before I ended it. We also deep kissed for several minutes. I came down with a fever about two weeks later. The fever lasted almost a week.

Since then, I have had muscle aches, light headaches, and unexplained fatigue. This, too, went on for another two or three weeks. I have not felt 100% and have a general sense of malaise. I also currently have a dry cough, and it has been about six weeks since the event.

Finally, I notice red veins in the corners of my eyes. My eyes are also watery and have discharge and crusting. I do not know what her oral hygiene or health was. I cannot say that I do not believe I had any open wounds on my penis, and I did not notice any blood in her mouth.

I have read lots of mixed messages on the possibility of getting HIV. Everything from no risk and low risk to risk dependent on viral load. What STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) have I likely been exposed to? Does this include HIV? What are the chances of catching HIV from insertive fellatio? Do I have symptoms of HIV ARS (Acute Retroviral Syndrome) or symptoms from something else? Maybe this is all just from stress.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concern. Unprotected receptive sex from an HIV-positive female (insertive fellatio) carries a shallow risk of passing the virus, and perhaps it is impossible to get HIV that way unless, of course, she has oral sores or bleeding gums.

The symptoms you have are non-specific and may be experienced by someone with seasonal flu. Since it has already been six weeks since the event, you may get screened by a fourth-generation HIV (antigen/antibody) screening test, which would be conclusive.

In addition, you may have been exposed to other STDs during fellatio, such as herpes simplex virus (a common virus that causes sores or blisters on the mouth or genitals), syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, which spreads through sexual contact), and gonorrhea(a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria, leading to genital pain, discharge, and possible complications if untreated).

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there is any query.

Thank you.