Can HIV spread through protected sex and oral contact?

Question

Hi doctor,

I recently got divorced, and I have children. I have not had any new sexual partners, but last week I met a man, and without planning it, by the weekend, we had sex. I was under the influence of alcohol, so my judgment was impaired. He performed oral sex on me (but I did not), and we rubbed genitals to make him hard.

He never penetrated me fully, but his penis was around that area for a while and probably pushing around the entry area. When we had sex, he used a condom and ejaculated into that. I am completely panicked. It is day six, and I have got a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and achy muscles, and I am itchy all over.

I went to the doctor today and got tested for everything, but in the meantime, I am going crazy. He is a bit of a stud and has had other women. Do you think I am at risk?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Receptive oral sex carries a risk of transmission of herpes simplex virus if he has a history of cold sores. Otherwise, it can be assumed to be safe. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is not a risk because saliva is not infectious. As far as rubbing genitals are concerned, if there is no penetration or fluids exchanged (precum), it carries a negligible risk of HIV.

However, there is a risk of genital herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus), especially since it was a prolonged rubbing. However, penetrative sex is unsafe, and there is a risk of HIV and other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like herpes simplex virus infection, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HPV.

You may take a full panel STD screening, including genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV, especially if you are unsure whether he penetrated and had precum.