I finally summoned up the courage to go see the Doc and get a blood test for HIV. Surprisingly enough, the blood test didn't hurt at all.
I will post my results when I get 'em (about a week or so).
Moral to the story: No ring, no "thing".
BTW...
HC my physician reminds me of a slightly smaller version of Don "DC" Curry? (that's ok, though; he's good)