The risk of HIV transmission from an infected small wound on the tongue?
I would like to ask Dr.
Hsu: Out of impulse and curiosity, I allowed someone to ejaculate inside my mouth around 10 PM.
Later that day, around 6 PM, while eating, the tip of my tongue was slightly cut by a bone.
I looked in the mirror and saw a small break in the skin with a slight stinging sensation, but I did not taste any blood.
Immediately after, I spat out the semen and rinsed my mouth numerous times, and when I got home, I cleaned it again with toothpaste.
Regardless of whether the other person has an HIV infection, what is the risk of transmission in this situation? Additionally, after the act, I noticed a pink area on the inner thigh of the other person that looked like an allergic reaction, and they stated it was an allergy.
Is it possible that this could be herpes zoster, which is commonly associated with HIV patients? Thank you, Dr.
Hsu, for your help with these two questions.
M, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/16
Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
M: Hello, if the other person does not have HIV, you will definitely not be infected with HIV.
Shingles will present with blisters.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Answers from the internet should only be used as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Reply Date: 2016/02/16
More Info
When assessing the risk of HIV transmission through oral exposure, particularly in the context of minor injuries such as a small cut on the tongue, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of HIV transmission and the factors that influence the risk.
Firstly, HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The virus is not typically transmitted through saliva, as saliva contains enzymes that inhibit the virus. However, if there are open wounds or mucosal surfaces in the mouth, the risk of transmission can increase, albeit still remaining relatively low.
In your scenario, you mentioned that your tongue was slightly injured by a bone, resulting in a minor cut that caused some discomfort but did not bleed significantly. The fact that you did not taste blood is a good sign, as the presence of blood would increase the risk of HIV transmission. When you engaged in oral sex and the partner ejaculated in your mouth, the immediate action of spitting out the semen and rinsing your mouth multiple times further reduces the risk of transmission. The oral cavity is not an ideal environment for the HIV virus, especially when exposed to saliva and the act of rinsing.
Regarding the observation of a pink rash on your partner's inner thigh, it is important to note that while some skin conditions can be associated with HIV, such as shingles (herpes zoster), a rash alone is not definitive evidence of HIV infection. Allergic reactions, irritations, or other dermatological conditions can also present similarly. The only way to confirm an HIV infection is through appropriate testing.
To summarize, the risk of HIV transmission in your situation appears to be low, particularly due to the minor nature of the tongue injury and the actions you took to mitigate exposure. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to consider getting tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) if you have concerns about potential exposure. Regular testing is an important part of sexual health, especially if you engage in activities that may pose a risk.
In conclusion, while the risk in your described scenario is low, it is crucial to remain vigilant about sexual health and to communicate openly with partners about STIs. If you experience any symptoms or have ongoing concerns, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action.
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I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
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