[Question #8267] Is this unnecessary anxiety for HIV/HBV

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46 months ago
Hey,

First cheers for a great initiative with this site, and then to the question.

I recently had an encounter with a CSW who provided me with protected oral sex while also inserting her fingers and a sex toy into me anally, both instances covered by condoms and i am almost certain the toys were also cleaned prior with water and soap.

However, during the act she used saliva once or twice as "lube" on the toy (which was also covered in normal lube) - afterwards it turns out i had some bleeding either from an abrasion or small anal fissure following the encounter.

Now to the question, is there any STD risk involved with my main concerns being HIV / Hepatitis B as my line of work involves traveling to countries with certain restrictions.

For clarification, the location was in western Europe while the CSW was from eastern Europe. 



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Edward W. Hook M.D.
46 months ago
Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to provide some comments. Congratulations on your approach to safer sex.  This was a very low, if not no risk exposure.  To start with, please be aware that most commercial sex workers do not have STI’s of any sort. The fact that your partner readily used condoms and that your direct exposure us were kind of protected also go along way towards eliminating any risk for infection.  STI’s are also not transmitted in saliva, irrespective of whether the saliva was introduced into your rectum directly or indirectly on the sex toy. I would have no concerns about risk for any STI from this exposure and see no reason for testing.

I note that you mention concerns about hepatitis B. Please remember, hepatitis B is a vaccine preventable disease. The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective and quite safe. In terms of eliminating one potential source of anxiety, I would encourage you to get the vaccine.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If any part of my response is unclear or if clarification is needed please don’t hesitate to use your ability to follow up questions for that purpose. Take care. EWH
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46 months ago
Hey,

Thanks for the prompt reply and explanation. Feel free to close this topic.

All the best,