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HIV Prevention (Expert Forum)
very frightened
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
very frightened
by Stewarty886, Nov 07, 2009 04:46PM
HiDoc,9 days ago I was very drunk and after a night out ended up in a brothel in Liverpool England .I remember very little in this blackout but I recall being with a couple of sex workers on a bed in a state of undress.thats it.I got home in one piece and when I woke the next morning I had a used condom in my boxer shorts.4 days later I had a sensation in my penis.5 days later I had sore red patches on the roof of my mouth and gums.On the 7th day I saw a consultant and tested positive for clhamydia and was treated.That night I developed a sore lower back which has spread up my back,got worse and is consistant.The mouth is still sore with tingling sensations.The consuItant didn't know what it was and took a swab.I have a runny nose also.I am goin for a hiv duo test in 3 wks.I can't help but think I'm going to get hiv and have ars symptoms and am waiting for the rash and fever.Also for 3 nights after the incident I had nightsweats.My neck glands were sore but are not now after the medication for clhamydia.I'm convinced I had unprotected sex with one or both of the girls.Can I have your comments please and the possible chances of contracting hiv with a sti.?I am unaware of the girls hiv status.
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Nov 07, 2009 10:03PM
, Nov 07, 2009 10:03PM
It is difficult to assess your risk since you have no memory of the details but I hope that I can help by providing you with some of the statistics which are relevant to your situation.
1. Most commercial sex workers in the UK do not have HIV. This makes your risk low from the outset.
2. The risk of getting HIV from a single episode of vaginal sex with an infected partner is about 1 in 1000. If she had chlamydial infection at the time of sex the risk increases 2 to 3-fold, i.e. to between 1 in 500 and 1 in 333, still low.
3. The presence of a used condom indicates that a condom was used at the very least some of the time.
4. The symptoms you describe could be due to most anything but have occurred earlier than is typical for HIV which typically has the onset of symptoms at 2-3 weeks following exposure.
Bottom line, you did exactly the right thing by being seen by a consultant and getting your chlamydial infection diagnosed and treated. Your risk for HIV is rather low but both for your peace of mind and from a medical perspective it will be a good idea for you to get an HIV no sooner than 4 weeks following your exposure and preferable closer to 8 weeks afterward when your test results will be totally reliable.
Finally, an unrelated comment. If you really are in the habit of drinking so much that you do not remember the previous evening's events, then your drinking is problematic and worthy of attention and treatment.
Hope these comments are helpful. Take care. EWH
1. Most commercial sex workers in the UK do not have HIV. This makes your risk low from the outset.
2. The risk of getting HIV from a single episode of vaginal sex with an infected partner is about 1 in 1000. If she had chlamydial infection at the time of sex the risk increases 2 to 3-fold, i.e. to between 1 in 500 and 1 in 333, still low.
3. The presence of a used condom indicates that a condom was used at the very least some of the time.
4. The symptoms you describe could be due to most anything but have occurred earlier than is typical for HIV which typically has the onset of symptoms at 2-3 weeks following exposure.
Bottom line, you did exactly the right thing by being seen by a consultant and getting your chlamydial infection diagnosed and treated. Your risk for HIV is rather low but both for your peace of mind and from a medical perspective it will be a good idea for you to get an HIV no sooner than 4 weeks following your exposure and preferable closer to 8 weeks afterward when your test results will be totally reliable.
Finally, an unrelated comment. If you really are in the habit of drinking so much that you do not remember the previous evening's events, then your drinking is problematic and worthy of attention and treatment.
Hope these comments are helpful. Take care. EWH
Member Comments (10)
by Stewarty886, Nov 08, 2009 08:11AM
To: EWH
Thank you very much for your answer.The only way to find out obviously is the test.The stats have given me some reassurance.My binge drinking will have to be addressed.This is a great service you offer.
by Edward W Hook, MD, Nov 08, 2009 12:14PM
, Nov 08, 2009 12:14PM
Glad to help. Take care. EWH
by Stewarty886, Nov 10, 2009 08:18AM
To: EWH
Doc,I think I may have herpes sores now on my scrotum and a sore on my penis.Goin to see consultant tomorrow.Could you confirm that herpes does not increase the chances of acquiring hiv as other sti.s but only if its already present.Just gettin a bit panicky I guess.I'll keep you informed of how I get on.Thanks.
by Edward W Hook, MD, Nov 10, 2009 02:45PM
, Nov 10, 2009 02:45PM
People can acquire herpes and HIV at the same time but it is unusual. You will need to first find out what you have. EWH
by Stewarty886, Nov 10, 2009 03:12PM
To: EWH
Hopefully tomorrow I will.Thanks
by Stewarty886, Nov 11, 2009 04:44PM
To: EWH
Don't have herpes,P24 antigen test negative at 14 days.Good news Doc?
by Edward W Hook, MD, Nov 11, 2009 05:41PM
, Nov 11, 2009 05:41PM
Yes, while the results are not definitive at this time, they are strong evidence that you did not get either of these infections from your exposure 2 weeks ago. EWH
by Stewarty886, Nov 11, 2009 05:58PM
To: EWH
Ok thanks
by Stewarty886, Nov 25, 2009 03:20PM
To: EWH
Hi Doc,Hiv 28 day duo test. negative.for your info.
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