HIV risk from exposure? Constantly anxious and worried

[AnxiouslyWorried]

Hi, I've had sex with 2 prostitutes and I'm really worried.

First possible exposure (2 summers ago):
-unprotected oral sex for about 1 min.
-used unknown condom brand (pink colour, faint fruity smell).now i suspect it might be condoms used for oral sex. would it prevent HIV as effectively?
-no symptoms, did not get sick. was not too worried.

25 days ago:
-was drinking earlier in the night, was about sober when I had sex.
-condom was used for both oral and vaginal sex. (forgot to change condoms, oral sex didnt seem too rough. but now I'm worried it MIGHT've damaged the condom)
-ejaculated when penis was still inside. did not pull out, thrusting gently until 20 seconds later.
-condom was visually ok after the whole episode. would it be noticable if it broke?
-rash the next day. lasted 3-4 days. on the 3rd day, noticed a really small red spot. possibly a cut due to shaving when I had the rash. suspect herpes?
-dry throat the next morning. probably due to drinking. dry throat presisted until today. no sore throats, just minor coughs ocassionally. Should mention that I work out in the gym. taking supplements such as L-glutamine and whey protein. Might be due to lack of water intake?
-sometimes feel a little bit warm. doesnt feel like fever.
just started a new job, now I work under in the sun all day.
-2-3 small sore in my mouth 10 days after the episode.

I started worrying that I might've contracted HIV and I've been worrying ever since. I've spent hours on the internet to find out more about HIV and it scares the crap out of me. The anxiety is killing me and ruining my life. I know better now.

Main Questions:

1. What are my risks of contracting HIV based on my exposures?
2 Could the symptoms I'm having caused by anxiety?(Really hope so)
3.Are there tests I might be able to do after 25 days of exposure? What are they and how long would it take for the results?
4. Could the symptoms be caused by any other type of STD?

Thank you very much.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the shortened question, and in the correct forum.

As I suspected, you still provide much more detail than is necessary.  The bottom lines are these:  If you are in the US or other industrialized country, it is statistically unlikely (1 chance in 100 to 1 in 1000) that either of your partners has HIV.  Oral sex is no risk at all, or at least so low risk it can be ignored.  All condoms are 100% effective if they remain intact.  If a condom doesn't overtly rupture in an obvious way, protection is complete; microscopic or small leaks in condoms that appear intact are an urban myth.  Your symptoms do not sound remotely like those of an HIV infection.  The answers to your specific questions are:

1) No risk of HIV from the exposures described.

2,4) Whenever a person suspects his or her own symptoms have an emotional/psychological origin, usually s/he is correct.  And certainly many if not all your symptoms are consistent with the physical manifestations of anxiety.  Your symptoms are not those of HIV or any other STD.

3) From the standpoints of your exposure and symptoms, you do not need HIV testing.  However, I agree it is a good idea; my reassurance probably won't count as much as a negative test result.  I suggest waiting just 3 more days, until you reach the 28 day (4 week) mark, then seek out a clinic or doctor that offers the combo ("fourth generation") HIV test, i.e. for both HIV antibody and p24 antigen.  A negative result at 4 weeks is 100% reliable.

Feel free to return with a follow-up comment with your HIV test result.  It will be negative, assuming you have had no exposure risks other than the ones described above.  In the meantime, mellow out and try to stop worrying.  There really is no realistic chance of HIV in this situation.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the thanks; glad to have helped.

Your prediction is correct:  this additional information does not change my opinion or advice.  Feel free to let me know your HIV test result, but I won't have any other comments until then.

[AnxiouslyWorried]

Thank you for your prompt reply, HHH.

Your answers relieved me a whole lot. I believe that the exposures I described were the only possible risk I could have. I will try to get a test as soon as I get into the city, as I'm working out of town at the moment.

I don't think that whatever I say next would change your opinion on anything, but I should at least mention them to let you know everything that might help, probably another case of providing more details than necessary.

Both prostitutes were asian (chinese). The first encounter happened in South East Asia while the second happened in Canada.

I failed to mention that the rash occurred in the area above my penis (pubic hair region). There were nothing else unusual regarding my pubic area.

I also experienced minor headaches, but my hunch would be they were probably related to stress and anxiety. The same goes for my "dry throat" sensation I would assume. I might be developing a sore throat at the moment.

Thank you very much again HHH for your answers. Until I get the results, I will try to worry less and try to get back to my normal life.

Thank you.