Aa
I have nowhere else to turn
Dr. Handsfield -
Several weeks ago I engaged in an activity that has caused me a great deal of shame and sorrow. My friend and I received a striptease from a VERY promiscuous female acquaintance of ours. During the course of this, I grazed my index finger over her vagina, which was covered by her panties. However, there was a VERY small break in the skin on my finger. The size of this "wound" was no bigger than a dot from the point of a pencil. The wound was not bleeding and was not deep at all. It was basically a common nick in the skin that I may have gotten from my construction job - something I would have ordinarily not have noticed if it wasn't for my HIV fears. Yet, I am very concerned that her vaginal secretions may have soaked into her panties and come into contact with this break in the skin. What concerns me is that my friend told me that her panties were indeed slighlty wet from her secretions, although I didn't notice this. Again, I only gently grazed my finger across her covered vagina, which would have lasted no more than 2 seconds, and from what I remember, her panties were dry. I did not feel any moistness on my finger.
Because of my guilt over this entire situation, I am convinced that I am going to be punished by being infected with HIV. I feel like karma is going to get me back by having me be infected. I think it is a byproduct of my guilt.
Dr. Handsfield, I know these questions are typically disregarded, but I will be eternally grateful if you could give me some support. I don't want to test if I don't have to, and your assurance would help me greatly. I just want to move on.
Thank you for your time.
Several weeks ago I engaged in an activity that has caused me a great deal of shame and sorrow. My friend and I received a striptease from a VERY promiscuous female acquaintance of ours. During the course of this, I grazed my index finger over her vagina, which was covered by her panties. However, there was a VERY small break in the skin on my finger. The size of this "wound" was no bigger than a dot from the point of a pencil. The wound was not bleeding and was not deep at all. It was basically a common nick in the skin that I may have gotten from my construction job - something I would have ordinarily not have noticed if it wasn't for my HIV fears. Yet, I am very concerned that her vaginal secretions may have soaked into her panties and come into contact with this break in the skin. What concerns me is that my friend told me that her panties were indeed slighlty wet from her secretions, although I didn't notice this. Again, I only gently grazed my finger across her covered vagina, which would have lasted no more than 2 seconds, and from what I remember, her panties were dry. I did not feel any moistness on my finger.
Because of my guilt over this entire situation, I am convinced that I am going to be punished by being infected with HIV. I feel like karma is going to get me back by having me be infected. I think it is a byproduct of my guilt.
Dr. Handsfield, I know these questions are typically disregarded, but I will be eternally grateful if you could give me some support. I don't want to test if I don't have to, and your assurance would help me greatly. I just want to move on.
Thank you for your time.
Thanks doctor. Your personal reassurance has definitely helped me. If this fear is truly that irrational, then I suppose a shrink might help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There was no risk. Move on.
Undoubtedly you are right, your are transposing your guilt over the event to fear of HIV. If you cannot shake your irrational and unreasoned fear despite the facts you already know, plus this reassurance, it is an indication of a need for emotional help from a mental health professional. I have nothing more to say. This is not an emotional support site.
HHH, MD
Undoubtedly you are right, your are transposing your guilt over the event to fear of HIV. If you cannot shake your irrational and unreasoned fear despite the facts you already know, plus this reassurance, it is an indication of a need for emotional help from a mental health professional. I have nothing more to say. This is not an emotional support site.
HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
