how often should i get tested when all i have done is oral and jerking. giving and recieving oral i get so paranoid, wish i could just relax and enjoy myself.
Well... the answer to that question will depend on how often you have sex, and with how many different partners. Syphillis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are pretty easily orally transmitted, butalso pretty easy to treat; HIV and hep-c are not. Most of the people I know who are conscientious get tested about every 3 months. If you are very sexually active, then more frequent testing is appropriate. (For example, legalized prostitutes in Nevada and porn performers in California are tested monthly.) But getting tested is only part of the transaction. Practicing safer sex is just as important. There are guidelines on making oral sex safer which you should read up on and practice, and one of the most basic ways is to talk openly with your partner. Additionally, where you meet someone can give a clue as to the level of risk (but should in no way cause you to relax your focus on safety); if you meet someone on a hookup site, on Craigslist, or some place where the focus is primarily on sex, the likelihood that the person has had a lot of partners (and therefore is at higher risk for STIs) is going to be greater, in general. But always ask... and always be aware that people will lie. You sound like you're being cautious and that's really good. Sex should be fun, and in time, you'll find someone you enjoy being with and hopefully can be monogamous with, and then you won't have to worry quite so much
Chip, thanks very much. i am mostly paranoid about hiv, thats one reason i havent had anal sex, but just one reason. oral sex with a condom just doesnt sound fun, is that what u meant. unfortunatley i dont have sex that often, i wont need the montly test, lol.
The *official* line may be to use a condom for oral sex, but I don't know many people that do. However, there are other ways you can reduce the risk of HIV infection. One is by ensuring your partner has healthy teeth and gums, and by ensuring your own are also healthy. Another is by not brushing your teeth (and same with your partner) for at least an hour before having sex; there's indication that the microscopic abrasion of the gums from brushing teeth can increase risk of transmission. The idea is that HIV, while oral transmission risk is low, can be transmitted through blood or semen contact, and through open abrasions and such. I'd say, as far as oral sex, be careful and take reasonable precautions, but don't be paranoid either
thanks for the additional advise, this site rocks!!!!! i had read awhile ago about not brushing or flossing before oral sex, had forgotten. also had read not to eat tortilla chips before giving head, guess same reason???? i wish i wouldnt be so paranoid, because i do enjoy it, i am not a slut, havent had lots of hook ups, but some
And the most important guideline... chose your partners wisely and make decisions about sex when you're sober.
