Risk of Exposure for Female?

[NervousNelly111]

I have read through some of the archives, but I am unable to find information regarding the risk of HIV to a female in this instance.  I recently had sex with a man, heterosexual, non drug user and he also told me that he was tested for HIV for life insurance reasons. I am female, non drug user and I was tested 2 years ago. We had protected sex, but there was a instance where he asked if he could "feel" me for a second. I can't say it was my better judgement, but I allowed it. It was only a few seconds, under a minute and then he put a condom on.

Should I be worried? I don't know how many other women he has been with, I did ask..but of course people do lie.

I am just nervous about HIV or anything else I may have exposed myself to during that instance.

Thank you for your time, and this is a very informative board with great doctors..so thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

My advice would be to accept these results as definitive for you and your situation.  I would not worry further and see no need for further testing.  EWH

[NervousNelly111]

A related discussion, FollowUp HIV Test was started.

[NervousNelly111]

I was just tested at the six week mark for HIV using Lab Corp and it was negative. Can I rest now? I have been so anxious..my hands can't stop shaking from just getting the results...

Thank you in advance I would have gone off my rocker with anxiety if it was not for yourself and Dr. Hansfield.

[NervousNelly111]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.I really do appreciate it.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This does not increase my concnern for you.  It remains unlikely that you got anything from this exposure.  The advice I gave you is unchanged.  EWH

[NervousNelly111]

I am hoping to get some insight. I have recently found out that the person I had sex with is married and I am not first person he has been with outside of his marriage.

I am scared that my risk of getting HIV has increased?  He told me he did not have anything, but now seeing that he lied about his home life and other partners, how I can I believe that?

I have not been with anyone else in over 2 years besides this man..I am just very scared and anxious..not mentioned hurt.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[NervousNelly111]

Thank you Doctor for your quick response and also for putting my mind at ease a little. I certainly will follow up with my doctor for STD testing.

Thank you again

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  You are correct that more questions come to us from men than from women.  Let's work through your situation.

Your partner (as well as you) as non-IV drug using heterosexuals who have been tested in the past are at low risk to have HIV.  Certainly the odds that he had HIV are less than 1 in 1000 and perhaps substantially lower.  You have however had unprotected sex and thus are exposed if he is infected.  While there are no studies to address the question of the role of duration of exposure in HIV transmission, it makes sense that it does play a role.  If he was infected, your risk of getting HIV is statistically in the neighborhood of 1 infection per 1000 exposures.  Putting all of this together, your risk of HIV is low.  On the other hand, other STDs, and chlamydia in particular are far, far more common than HIV.

My advice is that the best approach if you are concerned is to both get tested, "just to be sure" and to reassure each other.  If he is not willing or able to do that, I'd advise you to get a check for routine STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas) in the next week or so.  As for HIV, your risk is very low and not something to spend a lot of time worrying about.  On the other hand, testing at some point in the future, more than 6 weeks after the exposure is recommended just to be completely sure.

Hope these comments are helpful to you.  EWH