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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Can HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus) be transmitted through oral sex?
Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.
Any exchange of body fluids does pose a risk for the transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). However, the risk with oral sex is lesser than with vaginal sex. Kindly mention in detail about the kind of exposure like, whether it was protected, if it was homosexual and if it was a known partner or a commercial sex worker, so that I can guide you better.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for replying. She was a sex worker. I do not know if she had HIV. We had unprotected oral sex. I do not have any cuts or wounds on my penis. If she had HIV, can it transmit to me? This happened just five hours ago. I visited her on my friend's suggestion that it was safe, as long as I did not have any cuts or wounds. If she had sores or wounds on her mouth, how likely am I to be infected? What are the tests I must take?
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Unprotected sexual activities are a risk factor for multiple STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including HIV. As you have had an unprotected peno-oral exposure, there is a chance of transmission of HIV. However, the risk is very low, at less than 0.02 %. The presence of wounds, cuts, or bleeding during the encounter, further increases the risk. But, there is no reason to panic, as there are efficient tests to detect it. HIV infection has a window period of one to three months, during which the test results can be a false negative. Hence, the confirmation would take up to three months. In your case, the risk is minimal and you would not need any post-exposure prophylaxis drugs. But it is strongly recommended that you get yourself tested accordingly.The following tests are to be done: HIV by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). HBsAg (hepatitis B virus surface antigen). Anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus). VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory). Repeat HIV fourth generation tests at four weeks.
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