Possible exposure

[lowryder]

Hi everyone. On June 5th, I had sex with someone I do not know so well.

I used a condom. However, it did not occur to me at the time, but I had gashed the lower (closer to the hand) portion of my index finger on a bottle cap about 30 minutes before the contact. There was hand-to-genital activity involved. Fingering was fairly brief - once or twice for 10 seconds or so. It is possible the cut may have been in contact with vaginal fluid either while fingering or while removing the condom.

The next day I asked her if I had anything to worry about. She said not to worry and even offered to show me her previous blood test and blood donor results. I tried to take her up on it, but she kept making excuses and seems to have since backed down from the offer. Also her behaviour is very odd. I have reason to believe she is not mentally sound and may be lying about other things such as hard drug use, so I do not think I can take her word about her health status.

I have been through this several years ago and I know I will need to be tested for peace of mind. The anxiety of waiting for 6 weeks and then waiting for test results can be horrible. I am hoping that my wait could be slightly less stressful with more information.

My question is that in worst case scenario, that she has HIV and  the cut came into contact with vaginal fluid while fingering, what is the probability of infection? 0.5%, 50%, 99%, etc...??

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I agree with the response from confused516 (below).  I cannot quantitate the risk, but it's well under the lowest figure you cite of 0.5%.  Without more description, I wonder whether you are exaggerating your injury just a bit.  To me, "gash" implies a large, deep cut of the sort that might require stitches; and certainly something that you wouldn't forget about when "fingering" with the same digit.

Despite your partner's apparent obfuscation and your concern about her mental stability, most people will not lie outright if asked directly whether they have HIV.

I hope this helps you relax a bit.  Best wishes--   HHH, MD

[confused516]

I would say theoretical chance only but to my knowlege there has NEVER been a case via this route and I am sure by now there have probably been millions of this type of exposure and still no cases even with cuts. I think the doctor will say no chance and no testing is needed.

[who_is_this]

He's answered very similar questions before.  No risk, don't even worry about it.

[lowryder]

Thanks for all of the replies.

Though I did not think it had broken the skin at the time, the cut was fairly bad cut because I had squeezed and twisted a stubborn bottle cap with quite a bit of force. It has been almost a week and there is still a noticeable mark. Next time, bottle opener, or even better, water.

I also found this quote from a post from back in April which is comforting as well:

"Most likely your partner wasn't infected, and even if she was, and even with no condom use, the risk of HIV infection is only about 1 in 1000 episodes of unprotected vaginal sex. Even with a fresh cut on a finger, the risk isn't much higher"

I can handle %0.5 or less. What a relief! I'll probably skip the test this time around. Thank you Forum M.D.