Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 10/3/2008

Question
Hi, I recently received oral sex for the first time. It was a one night thing, and I think now that I made a mistake. It was with a friend, but I did not know if she was clean or not, so I went to see a doctor. He told me that the risk of getting an STD from oral sex was not very high, and that I shouldn't worry, but gave me a testing form. I was relieved that he didn't think I needed to be tested, and forgot and stopped worrying. Five days later however, I noticed red splotches on the head of my penis underneath my foreskin (I am uncircumcised). I went back to the clinic and a different doctor told me he thought I had a yeast infection, and prescribed some cream. I am very worried now, and have gone to get tested. I think what I have is called "thrush." Is it likely that I have HIV? If I do, will it show up in a test this early? I am very worried.

thanks.

Answer
You would not be contracting HIV-related infections this quickly. It usually takes years for the infection to affect one's immune system. Yeast infections are common in women and men can contract them sexually. You do not need a compromised immune system to contract a yeast infection. In addition, receiving oral sex constitutes barely any risk at all. I would say almost none. You would not have received HIV from that interaction, nor would you contract an HIV-related infection this quickly.