Unprotected Vaginal Encounter

[terminator02]

Hey HHH,

I posted over at aidsmeds and they said my risk was higher than I expected so I figured I would get a doctors advice.  This is the first time I have made this lapse in judgement.

I started a new relationship with a girl. I am 27 she is 23.  The relationship only lasted a month but in that course we had 4 unprotected encounters. I did not wear a condom and am uncircumsized.  

She is from pittsburgh PA, is a caucasian female and not an IV drug user.  I only state those things for assessment purposes.  

After the second time sleeping with her I stated: "Well we talked that you are on the pill but we havent talked about our sexual health."

She acted surprised and stated that her last relationship of 1.5 years she was tested.  She didnt say why and that i am the first unprotected enounter since him.  She openly admitted to being a "party girl" and am sure she has had her fair share of encounters.  

I JUST had my last HIV exam which was negative and am freaking out about this because i had 4 instances of unprotected sex with her. We are broken up and the last occurance was a week ago.  How worried should I be? I am freaking out here!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Either you misunderstood the advice at aidmeds or they need education about HIV risks.  In general, websites run by and for infected persons are more cautious in their advice, so maybe that's it.

You describe a very low risk sexual relationship with someone who probably doesn't have HIV or any STD.  Every sexually active person outside permanent committed relationships should be tested regularly for HIV and other STDs, such as chlamydia.  Probably chlamydia once a year, HIV maybe every 3-4 years.  If you haven't had such testing recently, this would be a good time, since it is on your mind.  But this has nothing to do with the sexual relationship and exposures you describe.  By themselves, they are too low risk to be tested for anything.  Of course that would change if you learn your partner had HIV, herpes, chlamydia, or something, or if she turns out to be a closet injection drug user or something.  But it seems unlikely.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[terminator02]

Thanks for the reply.  Being that I am not going to have any more contact with her (she hasnt replied to an email) is it fair to put this behind me and move on?  I am trying to use a cognitive behavioral approach and not test if possible. I usually test after low risk exposures to alleviate anxiety; which is fine...but it will be perpetual.  My shrink thinks I should just leave this be.  All I know is she told me I am not at risk, we had sex 4 times and the relationship didn't work.  Move on (if possible) and don't worry about testing is ok in your opinion?