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HIV Risk Question

Hello Doctor,

I have read a lot of the posts on this site and understand that my situation may not be high risk but I am still worried sick since I don't want to transmit anything to my wife. I had protected sex with a CSW two and a half weeks ago. Then one week ago, I had protected oral sex with a street hooker who definitely was definitely appeared drugged out. I don't even know where she got her condom since I didn't see her open it up from a package but then again, I wasn't paying attention. I am uncircumcised and have read numerous times that this increases my risk. This past week I have been having bad headaches and intense nausea daily. Also my neck is incredibly tight and the nodes appear to be swollen, making it hard to swallow. My throat is also in pain. I am well aware that ARS symptoms are unspecific but I NEVER have these kinds of symptoms. I have not had any fever as of yet. My questions: 1) Does my uncircumcised penis put me at increased risk in this situation? 2) Let's say these are ARS symptoms, can I get tested at this 2 and 1/2 week mark and expect a valid result? 3) If the street prostitute had given me an old and used condom, how long does the virus live outside the body? Could I have been exposed to HIV if there was vaginal fluid or semen in a used condom? I know I am paranoid but I just want to make sure I don't pass this on to my wife. I am going to seek counseling as well since this paranoia is eating me up. Thanks so much in advance!!
3 Responses
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This information doesn't change my opinion or advice.  Those symptoms do not suggest HIV.  Oral sores can be associated with advanced AIDS, but really don't suggest ARS.  However, if you really have "multiple sores" in your mouth, it suggests herpes, as well as certain other viral infections.  See a health care provider to check it out.  That same provider can advise you about HIV testing.
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Avatar universal
Thanks so much Doc! I feel so much better after this reassurance. My major concern is that I have never get sick really and these symptom (nausea, muscel ache, headaches, sore throat) are definitely making me nervous. I also now have multiple sores in my mouth. I heard that this is a symptom of HIV as well. Is that true? I am also tasting some funkiness in my mouth as well all the time. If I was exhibiting ARS symptoms, could I get tested after 3 weeks and expect this to be a reliable result. Thanks so much! Last reply i promise. I really appreciate your time.
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You had only safe sex with partners who, although at higher risk for HIV then the general population, are unlikely to be infected.

1) Being uncircumcised roughly doubles the risk of HIV if exposed.  But double a zero risk still equals zero.  It makes no difference when the exposure is safe, as yours were.

2) Your symptoms do not suggest HIV.  Feeling that your "nodes appear to be swollen" is irrelevant unless confirmed by a health professional; self assessment of such things by persons without medical training is very unreliable.

3) There is no realistic chance the sex worker provided a used condom.  (Who saves used condoms, for goodness' sake??)  And an "old" condom is a problem only if it breaks; yours didn't.  "How long does the virus live outside the body" doesn't matter.

If I were in your situation, knowing what I know, I would not feel it necessary to have an HIV test and I would continue unprotected sex with my wife.  But if you're nervous, get tested; and of course see a health care provider if your symptoms continue or you remain concerned about them.  And certainly I endorse your intent to seek counseling about the situation.  Whenver someone sees that need, they always should follow through.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD
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