Get Tested Boston: Top 10 Questions

1. If I only have oral sex, am I still at risk for HIV?
2. If I only have oral sex, am I at risk for STDs?
3. If I am strictly a top am I at risk for HIV?
4. What is NPEP and how effective is it?
5. When can I have sex again after I get treated for an STD?
6. Are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) different from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
7. What is the relationship between STDs and HIV?
8. Could I have an STD and not even know it?
9. Can I get an STD more than once?
10. If I get an STD, how long does it take before it shows up on a test?

1. If I only have oral sex, am I still at risk for HIV?
Yes. It is possible for either partner to become infected with HIV through performing or receiving oral sex, although the risk is much less than with anal intercourse. There are some things that can increase the risk of HIV transmission and acquisition during oral sex: if there is gum disease or there are cuts or sores around the mouth, throat or penis; if ejaculation occurs during oral sex; or if other STDs are present.

2. If I only have oral sex, am I at risk for STDs?
Yes. You can become infected with an STD when performing or receiving oral sex. Nearly every STD can be spread via oral sex, including herpes, viral hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) and trichomonas are theoretically possible. Oral-anal sex has also been implicated in transmission of hepatitis A and B, and some other diseases.

3. If I am strictly a top am I at risk for HIV?
Yes. There are a number of factors that influence the chances of acquiring HIV from an HIV-positive sex partner: a lot depends upon whether you have other STDs, whether your penis was exposed to any blood from his rectum, and, many experts now believe, the viral load of your partner.

4. What is NPEP and how effective is it?
NPEP (non-occupational post exposure prophylaxis) is the use of anti-HIV medication by individuals exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse, injection drug use, or in settings other than the workplace, to prevent infection from taking hold in the body. NPEP needs to start no more than 72 hours after a high-risk exposure from a person known to be HIV-infected. The sooner NPEP is started; the more likely it is to interrupt HIV transmission, but it is not known precisely how effective NPEP is. Studies are ongoing to look at this question.

5. When can I have sex again after I get treated for an STD?
It is recommended that people treated for non-viral STDs such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas wait at least seven days after ending their treatment to have sex again. Treatment for viral STDs such as human papillomavirus, herpes, and viral hepatitis may remove visible manifestations (the sores or bumps) and make you feel better, but they are unlikely to cure the STD. Once infected with viral STDs, it is recommended that you not have sex when you have the visible symptoms or don’t feel well, and that you always use condoms to reduce risk of transmission.

6. Are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) different from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
For many people, the term “disease” signifies symptoms or damage done to the body. Because many people with STDs don’t feel sick or have any obvious symptoms, many health care professionals may use the broader term “sexually transmitted infection.”

7. What is the relationship between STDs and HIV?
Having an STD makes it easier to give or get HIV infection. Individuals are 2-5 times more likely to become infected with HIV when other STDs are present. STDs can cause sores and other breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, making it easier for HIV to enter the body. STDs also cause inflammation, increasing the number of white blood cells in the genital area – the very cells that HIV targets most. Many STDs also increase the amount of HIV virus in semen and vaginal fluids, even if an individual’s overall viral load is still low or undetectable. This increased HIV virus in semen and vaginal fluids can lead to increased transmission of HIV. HIV infection, by reducing resistance to infection, can result in more severe STDs.

8. Could I have an STD and not even know it?
Yes. The truth is many STDs do not have symptoms men can see or feel. The only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to have regular testing for STDs.
It’s also important to learn what is normal for your body or your partner’s body. Get things checked out when something changes, like a new or unusual discharge (yellow or white fluid) coming out of your penis.
Other things that may not be normal in men include:
• Pain when you have sex or pee
• Burning when you pee
• Bumps or sores around your penis, anus, or mouth
• Pain in your testicles
• Rashes on your body

9. Can I get an STD more than once?
Yes. With viral STDs, just because you are infected with one strain of human papillomavirus, HIV, hepatitis, or herpes, doesn’t mean that you can’t get new strains on top of your existing infection. Non-viral STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomonas are curable, but you do not become immune once you’ve been through treatment. Even if you cure an STD, if you have sex with an infected (untreated) partner, you can get that STD again.

10. If I get an STD, how long does it take before it shows up on a test?
It depends on the STD. Some STDs, like gonorrhea, chlamydia or trichomonas, may take just a few days to show up on a test. Other STDs, like HIV infection, syphilis, herpes, and viral hepatitis, may take a few weeks to several months to show up on a test. Still other STDs, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), don’t have good tests that indicate whether men are infected, although there are some direct tests for HPV in women. Because of this variation in how long it takes an STD to show up on a test, it’s important to get regular testing for STDs. Talk to a doctor or nurse about how often you should get tested for STDs.

For more information, contact info@gettestedboston.org.