HIV risk question?

I am a 31 yr old heterosexual male.  No drug use.  

I have had multiple sexual partners, all women, mostly one night stands.

I have used condoms correctly 100% of the time.  

What are my chances of having HIV?  I'm too scared to get tested, but recent news articles urge EVERY sexually active adult to get tested for it.

I read your responses about statistical chances (1 in 1000 per sexual act)  Is that with or without protection?  What are the statistical chances for someone who uses protection each time?

Thank you for all your wonderful work in this forum.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The 1 in 1000 figure is a very rough ballpark for the risk of HIV transmission during a single episode of unprotected vaginal intercourse.  It is derived from estimating (or in research studies, asking persons) how often people have sex and then back-calculating from how frequently new HIV infections are seen in hetersexual persons without other risks.  The actual risk may vary widely on the basis of various factors:  how "active" the infection is in the person with HIV; sex (females more susceptible than males); circumcision (higher risk for uncircumcised than circumsized men); other STDs, especially herpes (higher risk of both transmission and acquisition); and others.

And "islandguy" is right:  Properly used condoms are close to 100% effective.  In the Seattle STD clinic, in testing thousands of people for HIV each year, we almost never see a positive in a heterosexual man who has no other risks--i.e., who doesn't use injection drugs and who wasn't the partner of a woman known to be HIV positive.

Relax.  If you're worried, get tested; the negative result will be more reassuring than anything more I can say.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[Islandguy]

david4444,

if your condom never broke when you performed intercourse, you are 100% fine!!!!! I am not a doctor, but I am sure they will tell you 100% protection and correct use and no breakage, you are fine.  However, the dr. might want you to test for Herpes, if at all.  In addition to intercourse, did you perform oral sex on her or her on you?  If so was it protected or not, HIV through oral sex is astronomically to none especially for the male to get.  

However, I think you are fine.  

Hope this helps

good luck

[david444]

The condom never broke or slipped off.  

Also, have had no symptoms of herpes, no sores, etc.

thank you for your feedback.