HI all. I'm very nervous about a possible exposure. 2 days ago I received unprotected oral sex from a man (I'm a man as well). He also used his tongue and finger in my anus. I didn't know him although he said he was 'clean.' It was a new experience for me and I've been stressing out ever since, ESPECIALLY since I have some pre-existing tearing in that area that sometimes results in bleeding. I fear it's a natural opening for disease, etc.
I know I need to get tested, but is there anything else I need to know that might help the time pass a little easier? Also, how accurate is the 6 week test?

Sorry if this is too graphic. I figured I needed to be specific so people could know what they were responding to. At any rate, I've read some of the other posts here and I've found them very helpful. But I can't help but feel guilty that my experience was somehow worse or more apt to lead to a positive test. I just feel like I made an awful mistake and I really want to know if there's anything I can do to make it all better. Thanks for listening.

Dear Nervous: Guilt is so much more powerful than nuclear power isn't it? Look, number 1 re: receptive oral sex? No chance. In the twenty + years of this disease, there is no data to indicate that a person receiving oral sex from a male or female partner (even if that person is HIV+) will contract HIV.

As for number 2: rimming or fingering are not mechanisms for HIV trasmission. Primarily because, with rimming, HIV is not sustained for long periods of time on saliva. And, with fingering, unless your fingers ejaculate semen, there is nothing for the virus to use as a mode of transit. Given the concern your have over the possible rectal bleeding, you would be more likely to infect your partner than he infect you.

So, other than beating yourself to death over this encounter, HIV does not appear to be a risk for you in the encounter your described. chris

Wow - just reading those words makes me feel better! I litteraly felt some of the stress fall off my body when I read your reply Chris. I'm still a bit nervous and I'm still going to get tested, but I actually feel hope and have some positive thoughts in my system for the first time in 3 days. THANK YOU!!

Dear Nervous: Just hang in there...if you feel the need to get tested then, for your own peace of mind, you will need to do that. However, there is no need considering the exposures your described. However I, like you, would rather be safe than sorry and peace of mind is a more valuable commodity that the craziness of fear and anxiety. chris