Question
Can I get HIV from oral sex with a man?
20 October 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
Hi,
I have something I hope you can help me with I had oral sex with another man mostly him sucking me but I did suck him for around ten seconds maybe more. It sounds daft me worrying I know but I cant help it so went to my GUM clinic in hull they tested me for HIV at around two to four weeks after. They told me to repeat the test again and then again until the three month mark so I went for another test around two weeks afterwards. It was also negative.
I was still worried so rang them and asked what test it was. The nurse said that it was the DUO test. Why did they tell me to test until three month mark if its conclusive after a month?
I am very confused and filled with anxiety I have a beautiful girlfriend and don’t want to infect her because of my mistake. Thank you.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Firstly the risk of transmission via oral sex is very low and the risk from having someone suck you is probably zero.
The risk from oral sex mainly comes from whether you have cuts or sores in you mouth and the viral load of the HIV-positive partner, if his is HIV positive. If he did not ejaculate inside your mouth then the risk is even less. For further explanation about the risk with oral sex please follow this link to a previous similar question.
The DUO test is 95% accurate at 4 weeks after an exposure. Having one more test at 12 weeks (3 months) is more than 99.99% accurate and this is interpreted by UK guidelines (BASHH) as conclusive.
For more information about testing please follow this link.
Lots of men like sex with men as well as women. If this is important you you, then finding out how to have sex safely will help stop you worrying again in the future.