[Question #12926] Medical Advice Request: HIV Risk and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Evaluation

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3 months ago
Dear Doctor,

I had a very brief encounter where I used a new, intact medical glove instead of a condom.
My standing partner briefly sucked my penis over the glove, then I attempted to insert my penis by pressing and pushing against his anus, but there was no full penetration.
The contact lasted only about 15–20 seconds.
I ejaculated inside the glove, which remained intact (no leaks when tested with water).
No visible wounds or bleeding were observed, and I have no cuts or lesions.
My partner’s HIV status is unknown.

Questions:
1. Do I need PEP, or is the risk negligible?
2. Should I still get tested for HIV or STIs?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 months ago
Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your questions. I’ll be glad to come. He and talk to you described was a virtually no risk event.while a latex glove, as you now know, is not as good as a condom, it has done the job. 

1.  I would not recommend PEP in this situation.  Your estimated risk for HIV, IF your partner was infected ( unlikely statistically), is less than 1 in 100,000 ( latex protected receipt of oral, no anal penetration)
2.  In your situation I would not bother to test.  

I hope this information is helpful.  EWH

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3 months ago

Thank you very much, doctor.

I have some doubts that there might have been brief penetration of the penis for about 10 seconds.Does this change the risk assessment, or does the fact that the glove remained intact still provide sufficient protection?


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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 months ago
The possibility that there may have been penetration does not change my assessment and would not worry me.  

One follow up remaining.  EWH
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3 months ago
Doctor, I will move forward, not worry about it, and forget the whole thing.

But just hypothetically — if the glove had some tears, would the type and duration of contact make a difference and possibly change your opinion if we assume there was penetration of the partner’s anus by the penis for about five to seven seconds?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
3 months ago
Sigh.  These sorts of “what ifs” really serve no purpose.  When latex fails, it rips wide open, it does not just “leak” a little.

While there are no studies to scientifically address your question, it makes sense that the shorter the exposure, the lower the risk.

This completes,this question which will now be closed.  Please don’t worry.  EWH
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3 months ago
Thanx Dr hook