Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 12/8/2007

Question
Hi. I have never had sex before, but did perform cunnilingus on a girl, so some vaginal secretions were in my mouth. She did not come to orgasm. She was not on her period. After the act, I spit in the sink and washed my mouth with water. Then I brushed my teeth. Sometimes when I brush my teeth, my gums bleed. I am now worried that some of the vaginal fluids could have come into contact with the blood and I could have contracted hiv. Could you please tell me my risk? I am terrified. Could the combination of saliva, air and washing out my mouth help to deactivate the virus. I am so concerned. What about hpv virus? Would I have had an symptoms from that? This took place almost 7 months ago. Thank-you.

Answer
First, the mouth is an opening to the body, so you do not need to bleed for the virus to enter the body. HIV can infect someone through their mouth with no cuts, sores etc.
Cuts and sores can facilitate transmission by creating an easier way for the virus to enter the body.

Unprotected oral sex carries the least amount of risk compared with vaginal and anal sex. Since it happened 7 months ago, you can test now for an accurate result.