[Question #11008] HIV

17 months ago

Dear Doctors,

Thank you for providing this website.

I am a 27-year-old male. Yesterday, I engaged in condom-protected sex with a sex worker in London. Additionally, I received unprotected oral sex from the sex worker.

However, upon returning home, I discovered a broken pimple near the base of my penis. I didn’t notice any blood, but I cannot be certain that there was none. The sex worker might have licked and sucked on the broken pimple. Moreover, during vaginal sex, the pimple may not have been covered by the condom.

I am very worried. This was my first experience having sex with someone other than my partner. Can I proceed without worrying about HIV?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your question and your implied confidence in our service. I'll be glad to comment.

This was a very low risk encounter. Mot commercial sex workers do not have HIV (or other STIs) and even when they do, most single exposures do not lead to infection. Even without a condom the estimated risk for acquistion of HIV from unprotected vaginal sex is less than 1 infection per 2000 encounters and there are no proven cases of HIV acquired from receipt of unprotected oral sex. In your case you used a condom for your vaginal exposure and that reduces your risk of infection still further- condoms reduce HIV risk when worn throughout a sex act more than 97%.

I would have no concerns about HIV from the encounter you describe. Your risk for other STIs is likewise very low. The broken "pimple" on the shaft of your penis in no way changes this assessment.

I hope that this information is helpful. EWH

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17 months ago

Thank you very much for your reply.

Just to double-check, the pimple is at the base of my penis, so it's not covered by the condom during vaginal sex (and during the unprotected oral sex). Can I still be confident that I didn't contract HIV from this exposure?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 months ago

I understood the location and that it was not covered by the condom. I also understood that your partner may have ---

17 months ago

I'm sorry if I misunderstood. Are you trying to complete a sentence?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 months ago

Apologies. The sentence was supposed to say- "I also understand that your partner may have licked or gotten saliva on the broken pimple. This does not change my assessment in any way." EWH---

17 months ago

Thank you! I forgot to mention that the sex worker also licked and sucked on various parts of my body, including my chest, back, and other areas, where I might have had broken pimples. I assume there is no risk associated with her licking and sucking on these broken pimples on my skin?

17 months ago

Hello Doctor, did you miss my last message?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

17 months ago

We provide up to three responses to each clients question. You had received three responses in this thread should have been closed. It will be closed immediately after this response.

That your partner sucked and kissed other parts of your body does not represent a risk for HIV or any other STI. It’s already stated the fact that there may have been broken pitbull on those locations does not change my response or assessment. It is time for you to move on without continuing concern EWH.

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