I have two situations that I wanted to talk with someone about that understands HIV transmission. I am a conservative guy when it comes to these matters, and I find myself in a stressful spot about these incidences. I am hopeful you can help me. Here goes ...

Situation 1:

I met a guy when I was in New York about two and a half weeks ago. We had dinner, drove around the city, went to a Jazz club and then he dropped me off at the hotel. During the evening we kissed probably 4 times closed mouth no problem. However, near the end of the evening when he dropped me off at the hotel, we kissed partially open mouthed for about 3 to 5 seconds. I didn't think much about it, until I got into my room and prepared to go to sleep. I was getting ready to brush my teeth when I realized the following:

() On the inside back of my cheek I had a canker sore that was forming from when at lunch earlier in the day, I slightly bit the inside of my cheek. It wasn't painful at the time - barely noticeable it when it happened or at any point during the day. However, I noticed it when I was getting ready to go to sleep. It wasn't bleeding.

() I have a small case of gingivitis around one to two of my front side teeth. It only bleeds when I brush my teeth sometimes. It was not bleeding when I looked at it. It was just a little enflamed looking.

So, being the careful kind of guy I am and generally paranoid, too, this has thrown me for a loop.

Situation 2:

I was in a steam room at a spa, very high temperature, dark and *****. There was a guy next to me that was enjoying himself if you know what I mean. I think he was using his left hand. I did not know he was going to do this but he reached over with his right hand and began to do the same thing to me. I stopped him after about two to three seconds. It just freaked me out. I got up went to the showers and soaped up my hands my body - everything. I was worried because I did not know if he had any of his own fluids on his hand and whether or not he got it on my urethra because it happened so fast and because of the above conditions.

Questions:

For each of the situations above, I just want to know if either represents an exposure/risk and if so how risky and why. Also, what would you recommend I do about these situations, to test or not to test.

I am sorry for my long winded descriptions but I wanted to make sure that you had all the information.

Thanks so much in advance for your help. It really is more appreciated than you know.

Hello there,

I will try and help you out. About the first situation you described. With your canker sore and minimal gingivitis this presents a possible but very low risk for infection. It is possible for the virus to enter your bloodstream through these two areas but very minimal. Also, dont forget that the mode of transmission would be the saliva of the other man. Saliva has a very low viral load when it come to body fluids. Things like blood and semen carry much more viral particles then saliva. So in general IF this person was HIV positive, his saliva would have a very low viral load, and the chances of infection are possible, but very minimal through your canker or gingivitis.

In the second situation a very minimal risk as well. He probably had no body fluid on either of his hands and probably none on his right since he wasnt using it on himself. You stopped him very quickly and you rinsed off quickly as well. The only mode of transmission would be if he had fluid on his hands, which he probably didnt and if you had some sort of cut on your penis.

I would say that anything is possible when it comes to HIV, but in your case the risk is VERY MINIMAL. If these things are still on your mind, get tested after three month since the last exposure. This will ease your mind and help you forget about it, however there is very little to worry about. Dont forget that these two men might not even be infected and then your chance is zero.

Use this experience as a lesson, and next time you are in a situation with a person you dont know or their status is uncertain, take the necessary precautions. good luck,