[Question #14036] HIV Education

1 months ago

Dear Doctors

I am a straight male (30) living in the UAE. I have been single 12 months and have only just entered into the dating scene again in recent months.

I have not had sexual intercourse or oral sex since I separated with my ex-GF. I had an HIV blood test as part of my residency renewal in September (3 months after our separation) and it was negative.

HIV is my biggest concern due to the compulsory testing every 2 years.

I have seen 4 women from dating apps since being single. The sexual activities were as follows:

Woman A: open-mouth French kissing.

Woman B: open-mouth French kissing, sucked her breasts; and fingered her vagina (there was some blood contact on my fingers).

Woman C: open and closed mouth kissing.

Woman D: received an unprotected handjob (she may have touched herself since the room was dark).

I do not know the STI statuses of either woman. They all had respectable jobs (i.e. not sex workers).

I have browsed historic answers on the forum and see that for there to be any risk of HIV, there must be unprotected penile-vaginal or penile-anal penetration (I do not use drug needles).

I have visited my local STI clinic about these events and they have advised the same - stating that there is no need to worry about these events and I do not need any HIV testing.

Am I clear of HIV and can I move on without any worries at all?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

1 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your confidence in our services.

Thanks also for reviewing other questions similar to your own. You have correctly interpreted those responses. And I'm glad to see that your local STI clinic agrees wit our advice. Indeed, not too long ago I was in touch with the director of an STI clinic in a large MENA city who told me HIV is rare in female sex workers; and that even with unprotected sex his clinic rarely sees anyone with HIV that apparently had been acquired locally.

So the answer to your direct question is yes: you are "clear of HIV and can...move on without any worries" about it. You don't need testing at this time.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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1 months ago

Doctor Handsfield - thank you for your medical expertise and for taking time out of your Sunday.

To wrap up so I understand correctly: from a sexual contact/intimacy perspective, I have nothing to worry about regarding HIV acquisition until my penis enters the vagina or anus of an unknown partner?

Thank you again for your help and for setting up this site.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

1 months ago

Yes, you correctly understand. However, you should be aware that nobody can guarantee that there is truly zero risk from the sorts of exposures you mention. If someone is infected with HIV after unprotected vaginal sex and also open mouth kissing with an infected partner, it isn't possible to know with certainty which exposure transmitted the virus. On the other hand, even the busiest HIV/AIDS clinics rarely if ever have patients whose ONLY exposures were kissing, oral sex, etc -- which means that these are exceedingly low risk exposure if not quite zero risk.---
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