fingering

Hello Drs.,
My questions is inregards to my risk and exposure to the HIV virus.  About a month and a half ago, this boy and I had an intimate  moment but no sex ocurred. He fingered me in my vagina for about 5 minutes or so while we were making out. That is all that occurred. I went to get a rapid HIV test at 5 weeks and a couple of days. The results came back negative. Are the test results reliable? Was my exposure even at risk of HIV. I have read the forum regarding this question, but hope to get an answer for my experience. Also, does fingering lead to other STD's? Thank you for your time and help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the HIV forum.  However, I really cannot tell you anything you haven't already learned by reading other threads.  HIV has never been known to be transmitted by fingering.  If this is your only potential HIV exposure, you did not need testing.  

As for other STDs, there is a small risk for HPV and an even smaller one for herpes.  But these are too unlikely to worry about or to require testing.

Probably around 95% of newly infected people have positive HIV antibody tests at 5 weeks.  Since your risk was zero and you did not need testing anyway, you do not need any further testing.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[jttt]

Thank you Dr. Handsfield. One last question if you don't mind. So when fingering the exchange of minimal secretion will not change the risk of contracting HIV? I read your post as well as Dr. Hook that even though minimal secretion is exchange it is still consider safe sex.

Thank you again.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

If you already read that, why are you asking?  Did you think I might disagree with myself?

Safe sex to prevent HIV means not having unprotected vaginal or anal sex.  All other sexual exposures are pretty much meaningless with respect to HIV transmission.  That includes fingering.

That's my last comment on this thread.

[evilayame]

dr i need to contact with u pls coz i want to ask u about some thing in hiv risk.how can i contact u??

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

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