Need professional opinion

[worriednewguy]

I had sex with a stripper last night with a condom.  The sex only lasted about 5 minutes.  Unfortunately, after I came, I pulled out and determined that the condom was broken.  We were both in shock.  We talked and both stated that we were "clean".  I tested negative for HIV about 2 years ago and since then have not had unprotected sex with anyone but my wife.  I am very freaked out.  I know nothing about the stripper, other than she was just as concerned about the breakage as me and that she stated that she was clean.  Also worth noting is the fact that I am uncircumcised, although I am very clean and do not have any open cuts, lesions, etc.  How concerning was my possible exposure?  Should I abstain from having sex with my wife?  Does it warrant testing?  If so, how long do i have to wait?  Is 4 weeks sufficient for the orasure?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct.  EWH

[worriednewguy]

First of all, thank you for your feedback.  This website offers a great service!

Second, I have one more question/clarification.  By 10 fold too high you mean that my risk was closer to 1 out of 100,000?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You can get tested for the most common STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia and NGU) any time more thatn 3 dauys after your exposure and have complete faithin the test results.

I would estimate that your calculation of risk for HIV from your single exposure is at least 10-fold too high.  EWH

[worriednewguy]

I will get tested for all STD's including HIV.  How soon can I get tested for other STD's?  I like the idea about getting my partner tested, just not sure if I can make that happen.

In the meantime, I want to be realistic and possible sleep at night.  I live in MA.  I saw statistics that claim that the HIV rate in my state is 9.4 out of 10,000.  Since she is a sex worker, guess the odds would be higher, maybe 1%?  Then the likelihood of me acquiring HIV from one vaginal intercourse event is 1 out of 1000 or 2000?  Isn't it also lower for the insertive partner?  So the chances of me catching HIV is 1 out of 10,000 maybe?  

Not that it makes it right or puts me in the clear, but this was the only time that I have had unprotected sex (because the condom broke) with a women other than my wife in the past 10 years.  I hope it doesnt change my life forever.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your risk of HIV form a single exposure to a commercial sex worker is very, very low.  It is likely that she was correct when she said she did not have HIV. It sounds as though she takes precautions and indeed most CSWs in the U.S do not have HIV. Even in the unlikely circumstance that she has HIV, your risk of infection from a single exposure is less than 1 infection per 1000 exposures.

What to do.  First get tested for STDs other than HIV.  Second, get an HIV test in 6-8 weeks.  At that time a negative test will be proof that you di d not get HIV.  As for as sex with your wife is concerned, your risk is very, very low but to be safe it would probably be best to not have sex until you get your negative test at 6-8 weeks.   Alternatively if you can get your partner to have a test, if she is negative, you have no concerns about HIV and need not be concerned.  you cannot get HIV from a partner who does not have the infection.  Hope this helps.  EWH