HIV Scare - Very Worried

[WorriedWell5]

10 Days ago I did something incredibly foolish. I was the insertive partner in un-protected oral sex and also had protected insertive anal sex with a high-risk individual. The condom did not fail. I GREATLY regret this experience.

I have not developed any STD related symtoms (that I know of), however I am very fearful of HIV. I am super-sensitive to my body right now and have very high anxiety. There is something painful under my armpit. I'm not sure if it is a gland, it hurts to the touch and feels very close to the skin. I cannot feel any glands anywhere else on my body however my neck seems stiff. The pain started 5 days after the encounter.

Getting out the the shower this morning both my arms had a hot, sunburn type rash on them which went away after an hour or so. I do not remember ever seeing this type of rash before on my arms. I have the following questions:

1) How likely is it that I contracted HIV from this exposure? (un-protected insertive oral and protected insertive anal)

2) If I haven't shown any STD symptoms in 10 days do I need to get tested for anything?

3) Could the sunburn type rash on my arms, general feeling of discontent, and the pain in my armpit be attributed to ARS?

I'm so worried it has began to mess with my life. I can't think of anything else. Please help...

Thanks.

[WorriedWell5]

This is my last question... The sunburn type rash that I mentioned appearing after the shower appeared again today. It is accompanied by a slight hot feeling of the skin. I still do not have any other symptoms.

Although my risk appears negligable, could this rash be related to some std or other illness (I am young and fairly healthy)?

Is a rash of this type, unaccompanied by other symptoms ever attributed to ARS?

Thanks again...

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I have already said your risks of catching anything from the encounter you describe were zero, for practical purposes.  It follows that there is no reason to stop having sex with your partner.  Yes, you are overreacting.

HHH, MD

[WorriedWell5]

Thanks for your response. I have had no other possible exposures. I will get tested for HIV in 6 weeks from now to help with my fears. My primary concern is that I am in a committed relationship and I do not want to put my partner at risk. We have been having un-protected sex for years and I'm confident that they are committed. Should I stop having sex with my partner because of all of this or am I over-reacting. I know that you can only offer an opinion on this however it would be valuable to me.

Thanks again!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

1) Insertive oral sex is extremely low risk for HIV; no case has ever been proved to be so acquired.  That doesn't mean it can't happen, but it's very rare.  The risk with condom-protected insertive anal sex also is zero, for practical purposes, if the condom remained intact.

2) There is no particular need for STD testing in the absence of symptoms, assuming you have had no other sexual activity in the past couple of months.

3) Those symptoms do not suggest ARS.  But if they persist or if you remain worried despite this reassurance, see a health care provider.  Some people need HIV testing merely because the negative result will help reassure them, even though the risk is virtually zero.  It's up to you.

Best wishes-- HHH, MD