Protected Intercourse with Scratches on Scrotum

[LennyBruce]

I hope this is one where you say, I've read only your title and....

Last week I had intercourse, briefly, with a CSW (actually a topless dancer, but what's the difference).  I was wearing a condom.  I am concerned, hopefully unnecessarily so, because I have psoriasis and jock itch and my scrotum is often itchy and red.  I scratch it, obviously.  On this day, I checked my scrotum after the "exposure" and observed no open cuts or scratches, i.e., no blood.  I cannot guarantee there was no open scratch or cut, though, only that there was no blood.  I am concerned that vaginal fluid may have come into contact with a scratch or cut.

I have read similar posts, concerning shaving, in which the responses have consistently been that there is no HIV risk from vaginal fluid coming into contact with razor burns or small cuts.  I hope that is dispositive of my situation as well and that testing is not necessary.  Please confirm.

The only other thing perhaps worth menioning is that yesterday, 5 days post "exposure", I came down with a fever (99.0-99.5) and very bad diarrhea.  I know it is never appropriate to gauge HIV risk by symptoms, but does this change your analysis?  Can ARS present in 5 days?

Much thanks.  I know you've answered questions like this before.  But I figure I am, hopefully, buying peace of mind for $20 and providing a service to others -- hopefully they will also be reassured by your answer.

LB.

[LennyBruce]

Thanks, Dr. Hook, I hesitated to post the question as the analysis seemed to me to be similar to previous answers. But anxiety got the best of me.  Anyway, I hope you're proud of the work you do. Both from an educational and, often, a mental health perspective, you're doing the work of the angels.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to the Forum. If I answered questions simply based on the title, I would have only two words for you- No Risk.   did however read your entire question and while that does not change my answer, it does lead to a bit more explanation.

Condom protected sex remains safe sex and this is the case even though it is rather typical for persons to get each other's genital secretions on one another during encounters.  Your psoriasis and that you scratch it does not change this calculation, even if your scratching did lead to open scratches an wounds.  

Your fever and diarrhea is a coincidence or, since it might represent something you ate or drank during the encounter (or how much you drank) it might be related to your visit but still not due to HIV acquired durng the visit.  There is no reason for you to worry or even to test.

I hope this comment is reassuring.  EWH