[Question #2387] Really freaking out about possible HIV exposure
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44 months ago
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I've been really worrying for the past six months, so much that I've been googling a lot and only worrying myself more. I went on justanswer.com and paid a expert for an answer, but I would like a little more reassurance.
My story goes like this, about 6 months ago I had an encounter in a massage parlor with a masseuse from Thailand. The masseuse gave me a BJ and then was grinding on my penis, then it just slipped in like more than half way, so it was basically unprotected anal for like 5-10 seconds (I was the insertive partner and I'm circumisized) and then I snapped out of it and pulled out quickly. It just slipped in so easily I didn't mean for it to happen, I ALWAYS use protection. After my encounter I got the flu, but everyone around me had it as well, and I had diarrhea for a long time, but my diet since I work all the time is basically horrible fast food and I had diarrhea on and off before and to this day because of my bad eating habits it happens. Thing is if this masseuse did it with me like this how many more people went inside unprotected. It's freaking me out. Now the Doctor on justanswer said my risk was so low that it wouldn't warrant even a test, even if the partner was in the acute phase, and if i tested he's sure I'll be negative, is this true? Am I really just over reacting?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
44 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum. A it happened, I came on line shortly after you posted your question so you are getting a response unusually soon after you posted your question. I will provide you with some information which I hope will be helpful to you.
The most recent data from the CDC, summarized the results of nearly a thousand different studies which evaluated huge numbers of persons at risk for HIV indicate that, IF your partner had HIV (statistically it is unlikely that she did), your risk for infection from a single episode of unprotected insertive anal intercourse is 1 in 900-1000 exposures. Thus since it is unlikely that your CSW partner had HIV, your chance of having become infected is less than 1 in 10,000 and probably lower.
Those are the numbers. In your case, given the fact that, by your own report, you have been worrying about this for over six months, my advice would be to go on and get tested. At this time the test results will be conclusive and will allow you to stop worrying and put your concerns behind you. And, before you ask about test reliability, let me tell you that current HIV tests are among the most reliable tests in all of medicine. Your result will be reliable.
I hope this information is helpful. EWH
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44 months ago
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Thank God I've honestly been refreshing like crazy, unfortunately Im working in a country (don't want to disclose which one) where being positive would mean deportation which I can't afford to let happen. So I can't get a test or even order one (home kits get flagged by customs), so I was hoping to just have an answer to comfort me until I can head back to the states and get one there, so am I just freaking out over nothing and should just wait until next year when I head back, or should I take a vacation and go get tested?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
44 months ago
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I thought you might answer something like this. Which country is irrelevant, why not let folks know? Further, with all due respect (and it is a personal decision), I reject your argument that the consequences of testing are too great to test whether it is that you are.
So here are the issues as I see them.
1. You don't want to test because if positive, you would be deported BUT, at the same time, if positive (unlikely) you would have the opportunity to start therapy which CLEARLY changes the natural history of the disease transforming a lethal process into a chronic illness requiring daily medication.
2. Further, if you are negative (by at the most likely result) your anxiety sooner than planned and six months of anxiety-driven internet searches could end.
My. )$0.02-worth, I just do not see the downside of testing, nor do I see it as an issue of whether you should leave wherever you are for a stateside vacation. EWH
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