Risk of HIV?

Hi,

Last week I met with a male prostitute who I believe may have HIV. We did not have sexual intercourse, but there was semen on his penis and on the bed. The only contact between us was body contact; penis to penis, and hand to penis, and other physical body contact, like penis to buttocks (being pressed against without penetration.)There was no oral, or anal intercourse. An HIV counseler told me that there should be no risk, but I am stilled concerned some fluids might have reached the tip of my penis. I am not sure. If I did contract the virus, it has been only 2 weeks and there don't appear to be any symptoms. What symptoms should I look for? Do I have any risk in the first place? I am very worried it sometimes is hard to sleep. Do I really have to wait 3 months to get a test done? Isn't 1 month fairly accurate? I don't want to wait that long.

JB

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Your risk without oral or anal intercourse is low.  However, as you have mentioned, if some body fluids touched the tip of your penis, then the risk is not zero.

Acute HIV syndrome has many symptoms including the following:
A fever
A tired feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen tonsils (also called tonsillitis)
A sore throat
Joint and muscle aches
Diarrhea
A rash

The symptoms of acute HIV syndrome usually last for about 14 days after HIV exposure. They could last for just a few days, or they could last for several months.

You may want to discuss obtaining a viral load to diagnose acute HIV.  This can be done immediately.  A baseline HIV antibody test should also be obtained.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.