[Question #6941] Is there an HIV RISK?

63 months ago

Dear doctor,

in february of this year i had protected vaginal sex and unprotected oral from a sex worker. I had planned to go get tested after this although this was my first time having sex after my last test just a month earlier to this incident however due to lockdown restrictions i couldn't do so. To the best of my memory I have not had any symptoms in the weeks after this incident.

Recently i have noticed a lot of pimples appearing on my back and this has ramped up my anxiety greatly. I have barely had any sleep in the last few days and am becoming very anxious.

1. Is this a legimate risk scenario and should i be worried?

2. Should i go get tested given this is the only encounter i have had to-date?

3. Have either of you in the span of your professional career heard or seen of an HIV infection from unprotected oral sex?

I greatly appreciate your response and await them eagerly

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

63 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your confidence in our services.

For all practical purposes, this was a zero risk event in regard to HIV. First, it is statistically unlikely any particular female sex worker has HIV. In the US, well under 1% are infected, probably closer to 1 in a thousand. Second, condoms work. Third, oral sex is very low risk: in fact, there has never been a scientifically proved case of HIV transmission oral to penis. Finally, increased acne (on the back or anywhere ielse) is not a sign of HIV or any other immune deficiency.

Those comments pretty well cover your questions, but to be explicit:

1,2) No risk, no worry, no need for testing. If somehow I were in your situation, I wouldn't be tested for HIV or anything else.

3) Directly answered above: I've never had such a patient nor heard of one.

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

HHH, MD

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63 months ago

Thank you doctor! Highly Appreciate it!

God Bless you and stay safe!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

63 months ago

Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped. This thread will remain open a few more days in case anything else comes to mind.

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63 months ago

Hi doctor, What are your opinions on STD and Hiv Infection from sex toys used in any scenario?

63 months ago

Alos doctor in regards to the first part, I forgot to mention that after we finished having sex she said shes going to the toilet cause she had pain. Given this, do you think I require any STD testing(including HIV). I have not had any symptoms related to any STD to date.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

63 months ago

Sex toys clearly can transmit STDs if used very soon after an infected person, quickly enough so fluids or blood don't have time to dry. Similarly, STDs have been transmitted by rectal douching equipment not cleaned between users, e.g. when shared in common showers in bath houses that cater to men having sex with men. Transmission by sex toys probably occurs rarely if ever when blood or fluids have had time to dry, and certainly never if cleaned between use by different people.

Your partner's apparent pain after sex would not seem to make any difference. There are plenty of causes of genital or low abdominal pain in women following sex other than STDs; and you used a condom. These details don't change my opinions or advice.

That completes thw two follow-up exchanges included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been useful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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