I was dating someone for a while this past year and an incredibly intense and serious physical relationship developed. We never had vaginal sex, but we did do everything else. We never used protection during oral sex (both on him and on me) and on one occasion he came in my mouth and I swallowed. I don’t know if I should be concerned or not. I’m still a virgin and had never been touched by a guy before I started dating him. Before our relationship, he had only one sexual partner, who was his girlfriend of two years. They were both virgins before sleeping with each other. Should I be concerned that I might have contracted something from him? I don’t show any symptoms of an STD, but I know that can mean nothing. I’m not really worried, but would appreciate your view. Thanks.

This is a great question. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Let’s start with HIV. There have been few documented cases of people contracting the virus through oral sex. But the risk is there when we consider that the virus is present in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. If these fluids are taken into the mouth and there area open wounds in the mouth, it is possible for the virus to be transmitted. For this reason, it is a good idea to use a condom or dental dam when having oral sex. Condoms are no longer only for vaginal/penile intercourse. Other STDs can also be transmitted through oral sex. For example, herpes can be transmitted from the mouth (cold sores) to the genitals and vice-versa. Gonorrhea can be transmitted to the throat. Viruses that are present in bodily fluids can enter the blood stream through cuts in the mouth. Whether or not you think you should get tested for HIV and other STDs is a highly personal question. It depends on how much you feel you can trust what your partner told you about his previous sexual activity and his assurances that he has no STD. If you do want to get test for HIV or any other STD, Health Services is one of the best bargains in town, with free HIV tests, and a combination chlamydia/gonorrhea test for only ten dollars. It would probably be a good idea to get a pelvic exam just to ease your fears and to make sure you are in good gynecological health. Drop in to make an appointment and if you have other questions call Well-Woman (854-3063) to speak privately with one of the peer educators.