Hello Doctors,

My greetings to you! We all are so grateful that we have a couple of expert doctors here who we can reach out to for getting guidance on our deepest anxieties. I value your time, trust your opinion and I would be very brief.

I am a 42 years old male. I had an unprotected blowjob from a prostitute three weeks ago. I had another episode with other prostitute a week later where I had mutual masturbation, and I fingered her anus/vagina for a prolonged time and she gave me a handjob and brought me to climax. The second prostitute had some cold type of infection going on with her, and I indulged in deep french kissing for a long time with her.

I have no symptoms yet of any kind. I know I may get other STIs, but I am primarily worried about HIV. From what I have read here, I believe there is no way I am infected with it. I have refrained from having sex with my wife so far, however, I believe that I don't need to and that I can proceed having regular unprotected intercourse with her. I am only worried about the first encounter; I believe that I can safely ignore the second encounter.

1] Please correct me if I am wrong about any of my beliefs stated above. Since I am just 1 week shy of 4 weeks after the first encounter after which I may get a 4th generation combo test done if needed, would you advise that I wait for a week to get tested? Are any other finer details relevant here and would change anything about your opinion regarding the first encounter, such as blood on my penis, possible cuts on my penis (there was no "obvious" blood or cuts on my penis before/after the blowjob, but I did not necessarily look too hard).
2] Would you advise me to get tested for anything else at all, if I stay symptom free for another week?

I think my beliefs are correct, however, I don't want to risk the possibility that this is wishful thinking on my part. Further, just relying on my belief and moving on to me is akin to self medication. I look forward to your response. I would be perfectly comfortable to stop worrying and move on if that happens to be your advice. If unfortunately, your response is anything different, I would diligently follow that as well.

Welcome to the Forum. In terms of each of the exposures you describe there is no meaningful risk for HIV from either encounter.  From your first exposure the is a small risk of having acquired gonorrhea or NGU if your partner was infected but the chances of this are quite low.   On the other hand, I would say you were lucky not to catch your partner's cold when French kissing her.

1] Please correct me if I am wrong about any of my beliefs stated above. Since I am just 1 week shy of 4 weeks after the first encounter after which I may get a 4th generation combo test done if needed, would you advise that I wait for a week to get tested? Are any other finer details relevant here and would change anything about your opinion regarding the first encounter, such as blood on my penis, possible cuts on my penis (there was no "obvious" blood or cuts on my penis before/after the blowjob, but I did not necessarily look too hard).

I see no need for HIV testing of any sort.  If you feel the need for testing for the peace of mind it might provide, then the "best", most definitive result will be at 4 weeks and, having waited this long, it is probably worthwhile to wait until 28 days have passed.  None of the finer details you mention would change my opinion or recommendation.  Furthermore, I would not be worried about unprotected sex with a regular partner because of the exposures you have described.

2] Would you advise me to get tested for anything else at all, if I stay symptom free for another week?

See above, I see no medical reason for any testing at all.  EWH

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I am such a paranoid hypochondriac. This question has been answered so many times in different ways on this forum, but I guess fear makes one lose his rationality. I was so embarrassed to even pose this question and take up your time as I am sure there are other items that are competing for your attention. But here I am going 180 against my rational mind and posing questions. Fear wins, I guess!

Thanks a million for your time and for the answer; it puts me completely at ease and peace!

However, and I know this is getting repetitive and I urge you not to feel offended, when you say that I may wait until 28 days and get tested, you entirely mean this from my peace of mind perspective, right? You find no reason, medically, for me to be tested? So if I can take your advice and am capable of moving on, then I don’t need testing, correct? Not just for HIV, but for anything else, right? In that case, I don't want to test and go through unnecessary additional anxiety.

I am ready to move on now, eager to resume my regular love life and other stuff, just waiting for your response.........Thanks again!

Correct, from my perspective, the ONLY reason for you to test related to the exposures you have described is for your own peace of mind.  I see no medical reason for HIV testing.  EWH
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