Question:

Hi Doctor,
I am a 28 year old male in England.

In February, March, and April 2006 I visited a saunas and had lots of unprotected sexual contact with other men, especially oral and rimming. I received lots and gave lots too.

In no encounter have I taken a penis but others have taken mine and I always wear a condom for that particular activity. As a younger person I was meticulous about wearing condoms, even for oral sex but I have never come across any man like me, even men who I imagined would wear a condoms for oral sex, never thought twice about going down on me without a condom OR letting me go down on them without, so it got to the stage where I felt stupid even mentioning it.

I am extremely worried that I have AIDS because 2 days after the April visit I noticed a quite large white spot on the back of my throat that was painless but rough and didn't diminish when brushing it. Now I'm developing a problem with my gums-- went to the dentist and he told me it was plaque. Now, I'm thinking to myself that I may have caught it from his dental equipment.

Anyway, the gums are gradually getting worse and I am petrified because I've been looking at the internet and sore gums are the first signs of HIV. Although I'm booked in for a test but I want your ideas on this. I know you can't give definite diagnosis but your ideas and knowledge will help.

Answer provided by:

Peter Shalit, M.D.
Internal Medicine

Dear 28 Year Old Male,
Your symptoms could be from many causes, and they do not point particularly to HIV. In addition, your behavior is low risk for acquiring HIV. I would not lose sleep over the possibility that you have become infected with HIV, because it is very unlikely, though I do agree with your being tested.

However, I suggest you have a full screen for sexually-transmitted infections, not only HIV. For example, syphilis is becoming more common and is easily transmitted by many forms of man-to-man sexual contact, even when condoms are carefully used. With your high degree of sexual activity, regular screening for sexually-transmitted infections (including HIV, but also the other common ones) is an important way for you to monitor your health and to discover potential problems before they get too far.

Good luck and take care.

0600524
ASKD060511

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