[Question #9412] Sleep rape

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33 months ago
Dear Sir, 

I went on a trip to india alone. I remember I was so tired because of travelling. But I also remember I didn’t took any medication or something for sleep. 

At night, before sleeping I remember locking the door. But now I panic thinking that what if the door was not locked properly and someone entered the room and raped me without me being aware. I also got UTI (cystitis) after 4 days. 

That day When I woke up in morning, I was feeling fresh and I had all my clothes on my body. But this thought of rape came in my mind after a week. I have hiv phobia since last 3 months. 

Do you think I can get raped without me being aware? Or someone can add some sedative in my food without me being aware to rape me? 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
33 months ago
Welcome back to the forum but I'm sorry you found it necessary.

I reviewed your two recent discussions with Dr. Hook. Your HIV phobia was on display in those discussions and this is clearly an even more serious manifestation of the same psychological problem. Of course I cannot judge whether sex occurred without your knowledge:  you were there and I wasn't. But it seems exceedingly unlikely. And I think intellectually you understand it did not happen, even if you remain concerned at an emotional level. It also is pretty much impossible to be so sedated you would not recall sex but otherwise feel well and sleep normally, and that your clothing would not be disordered.

I advise no testing for HIV or other STDs; and that you promptly seek professional counseling. These are highly abnormal thoughts that suggest a rather serious mental health problem. I suggest it from compassion, not criticism. In any case, there is no STD/HIV issue here, and those are the only topics we address. But I hope these comments are helpful.

HHH, MD
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32 months ago
Dear Sir, 
Thank you so much for your reply. 

You mean to say that it is impossible for me to sleep through penetrative sex ? I would be wide awake if someone tried to do that ? 

Please assure me that I do not need hiv test for this. I’m too much worried. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
32 months ago
I did not say it is impossible; with little experience and no training in sleep medicine or sexual assault, I cannot make a professional judgment. Personally, it seems to me it probably is not possible to sleep through such an event, but that is not a professional opinion. However, I see no need for you to be tested for HIV or anything esle and if someone close to me (a family member or loved one, for example) had such a story I also would advise that person not to betested.

These seem very irrational thoughts. See my comments above about professional counseling. I will have no further comments about it on this forum.
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32 months ago
Thank you so much Sir 

God bless you for all the good work you do. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
32 months ago
Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped. Good luck to you.---