[Question #1141] Unprotected sex

99 months ago

Hello doctors, maybe its guilt but a few things are bothering me. Had sex with a woman a dozen times protected, but she gave me oral unprotected. A had sex with another woman but only rubbed my penis on her vaginal opening. Ive been told these are not risk, but i got sick weeks after the episodes.

I experienced soft smelly stools, no appetite, and i was veey weak and fatigue. A few years prior i had unprotected sex with a woman while she was on her period. It lasted for a minute but i put my penis in her anus prior for about 3-4 minutes. I know this was a risk but i dont think i woukd experience symptoms years later that resemble a seronconversion.

Im a married man and my wife is tested yearly, including recently so if im infected i know it didnt come from her. Also, my bowels have never went back to normal.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

99 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

You are worrying unnecessarily. HIV is never transmitted mouth to penis; there has never been a proved case. Same for penis-vaginal contact without penetration. And for vaginal sex you used condoms. Sex during a woman't period does not increase the risk. Unprotected anal sex is potentially risky, but the chance of infection from a single brief episode is very low. Further, the vast majority of women (including sex workers) do not have HIV. Finally, your symptoms are not typical of an HIV infection, which doesn't cause diarrhea or other bowel symptoms.

But here's the big question: Why in heaven's name haven't you been tested? That's the obvious solution to your worries. I'm sure it will be negative, but until you do it, you'll just keep worrying. Have an HIV test, then return and tell me the result. But until then, I won't have any other advice. In the meantime, mellow out. You can definitely expect a negative test result.

I hope this has helped. I look forward to learning the result of your HIV test.

Best wishes-- HHH, MD

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97 months ago

I would like to say thank you for the reply Doctor Handsfield, and I apologize for my late reply. I wanted to test as you advised before I did. I went and got a oraquick test last week. Did everything as the instructions stated, and had a negative result. Im still kind of nervous thinking that maybe it was a bad test, or maybe I missed a step. My wife says I shouldn't have tested since she test herself yearly(blood donations). Though she doesn't use that system to test, she's just generous. Anyhow I was told her status couldn't represent mine. The test being negative was a relief, then after some days got back in a slump. Anyhow, seen my doctor today, and she says not to worry, and she did a CBC on me. She thinks I could have a thyroid problem.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

97 months ago

I agree with your doctor: there is no justification for worry about HIV. To get federal (FDA) approval to market the Oraquick test, the manufacturer had to prove it is pretty much idiot proof, i.e. impervioius to the kindsof error you mention. Your negative result is conclusive. As for other explanations for your symptoms, we limit this forum to HIV issues. But of course continue to work with your doctor if you remain concerned.

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97 months ago

Thanks again doctor. I've read through many of your replies from here and even other sites you have worked on. You and Dr. Hook are truly great educators on STD matters. I've learned many things and have been amazed.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

97 months ago

Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped. ---