Expert: Terry B - 1/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm Male and during mutual masturbation with another guy he performed oral sex on me for a short time. Two days after I noticed two very small red ? sores / cuts, no pain involved, on my penis ( if I was not looking I would not have known they were there )  They both began to scab over the next day.I do not know for sure if these were present during the time I received oral sex. I do have herpes and I'm not sure if this was a minor outbreak. I do not know the health status of the other guy and it was at night so I'm not sure of blood etc in his mouth. What is my risk of HIV infection

ANSWER: Dear Ric:

Peace.  Semen, blood, and vaginal secretions are the fluids responsible for transmission of HIV between adults.  Your risk of contracting HIV from what you describe is low; your risk of having contracted another Sexually Transmitted Infection is higher.  Please see your doctor and remember that you can transmit Herpes to others even if you do not have an active outbreak.

Best to you and yours.

Terry

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: With this being a low risk, do I need to be tested?? If so what about these pcr tests that I have seen on the Internet. Some say they are conclusive,  some say they are not, and only an antibody test is conclusive. I'm married and this incident was a bad curiosity mistake. But I'm concerned about the need for testing. I know the only way to know is to be tested, but is it really necessary
Thank you for your time and answer to my question. You do not know how much I appreciate your response

Answer
Dear Ric:

Peace.  Your risk, as I stated earlier, is low.  The degree of concern you indicate suggests that getting counseled and tested is a good idea.  I would recommend that you read up a bit on testing at www.thebody.com online, go to a voluntary anonymous counseling and testing center if you have one available,  and/or see whomever is treating you for Herpes and explain the situation.  In the meantime, protect yourself and others from semen, vaginal secretions, and blood.

Best to you,

Terry