Risk of HIV?

I never thought I would do something like this.  A few weeks ago, I had unprotected sex with a manI don't know very well.  (Note:  He said he is "clean," but you never know.)  

Here's my question -- we had vaginal sex and he penetrated me, however he lost his erection before our encounter was over me.  (He never ejaculated.)  What is the risk of HIV transmission?  I know traces can be found in pre-***, but does pre-*** exist if ejaculation never occurs?

I'm freaking out a bit, since I've never done something like this before (and certainly will exercise better judgement in the future.)  I plan on being tested anyway, but thought I would ask the question. Thanks in advance for your help!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

If your partner doesn't use drugs by injection and doesn't have sex with men, the chance he is carrying HIV is extremely low.  Even if he is infected, the chance you would become infected after a single encounter (even WITH ejaculation into your vagina) probably is less than one in a thousand.  Without ejaculation the risk is lower still; yes, HIV can be present in pre-ejaculate fluid, but only in minute amounts, probably not enough to cause infection.

So don't freak out.  The chance you acquired HIV from that episode probably are similar to the odds you'll win the next lottery.  But do get tested; you'll sleep easier after you learn the negative result.  Modern HIV tests turn positive within 4 weeks, so you don't need to wait.

And you probably don't need to be told this--but you would do well to carry condoms in your purse!

You can relax.  Best wishes--   HHH, MD

[gonza]

How could you say that?  Drug users and homosexual men are not the only people with HIV.  How could you be so vague?  Where do you get your information to give out on this forum?  You should be ashamed.  As for the person with the comment, I am no doctor, expert or anything, but get tested.  In today's society you can never be too careful.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Gonza,  you miss the point.  The issue is the likelihood that melbo1 might have been infected from the exposure she describes.  Based on the information she provided, that risk is low.  As you suggest, I also suggested she be tested.  But the chances are strong the result will be negative, for the reasons stated in my reponse to her.

I insist that contributors to this forum present their views with objectivity and reason.  If you can't adhere to that principle, please go elsewhere with your comments.

HHH, MD

[gonza]

Well, i thought you were being vague and I have a right to express that.