HIV Risk from Oral Sex: What You Need to Know

Question
QUESTION:
Hello,

About 20 months ago, when I was sixteen, my boyfriend gave me oral sex (only once). At the time I wasn't worried about sexually transmitted infections because I thought that receiving oral sex had the same risks as kissing. However, recently I was told that you could catch lots of STDs from oral sex, including HIV.

My question is: Could I have HIV from receiving oral sex? My boyfriend insists he is completely healthy and also claims he never had any sexual contact before. Could I also catch other STDs from oral sex such as HPV?  

In addition , 3 months ago or so, I engaged in mutual masturbation and deep kissing with a guy who isn't a virgin. He always uses condoms for vaginal and anal sex (or so he claims), but gives and receives oral sex without protection. Could I get any STDs from getting fingered or deep kissing?

Since February I've had a sore throat, earache, low grade recurrent fever, frequent urination etc. Could these be the symptoms of any STDs? I went to the doctor and got several blood tests done, and everything seems to be fine.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Anne

P.S: I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me how HPV can be transmitted since the information on different web sites regarding the matter is very confusing. Some say HPV is transmitted by oral sex, masturbation etc while others say transmission can only occur from genital to genital contact.

ANSWER: yes, you can theoretically get some diseases from oral sex.... HPV is possible.  It is unlikely that HIV would be transmitted, even though theroretically possible.  If you are worried about these, get checked, then you will have good reassurance, then always use protection during any sexual activity.....

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for answering my question - and so quickly too!
But there is something I don't quite understand: When you say theoretically does that mean that although it can happen in theory, HIV has never been proved to be transmitted this way? What is the difference between deep kissing and receiving oral sex? It's just that I can't see the difference and if HIV can't be transmitted by kissing then why can it be by receiving oral sex?
As you've only answered to the my questions referring to oral sex I guess there is no risk for any STDs regarding masturbation.
Thanks again, Anne

Answer
The virus is present in some saliva, but it needs a way to get into the blood stream.... so agressive kissing which may split some tissue on a lip, etc could introduce it.  It is hard to prove exactly what absolutely doesn't transmit HIV.  With all the testing, it isn't unreasonable to ask a potential sex partner to be tested.