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HIV Prevention (Expert Forum)
Worried about low risk exposure
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
This forum is limited to prevention of HIV and to safe sex in general. If you believe you might have been exposed to HIV and want help to judge your risk, would like advice about HIV testing, or have questions about the effectiveness of condoms or the risks associated with specific sexual practices, this is the site for you.
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No questions will be accepted on the treatment of HIV/AIDS or its complications, viral load, and similar topics. If you have questions about a specific STD other than HIV/AIDS, please visit the STD Forum. Questions that do not pertain to the above topics will be removed from the forum.
If you have not done so, please review other threads in our archives for questions similar to yours and Dr. Handsfield's replies. Questions that duplicate other frequent ones, for which abundant replies exist, and that have little educational value for other forum users, will be DELETED WITHOUT RESPONSE. YOUR PAYMENT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. The most common examples of such questions are those about low risk exposures to HIV, such as oral sex, condom- protected intercourse hand-to-genital exposure, and nonsexual contact with possibly infected blood or body fluids as well as symptoms of early HIV infection.
No questions will be accepted on the treatment of HIV/AIDS or its complications, viral load, and similar topics. If you have questions about a specific STD other than HIV/AIDS, please visit the STD Forum. Questions that do not pertain to the above topics will be removed from the forum.
If you have not done so, please review other threads in our archives for questions similar to yours and Dr. Handsfield's replies. Questions that duplicate other frequent ones, for which abundant replies exist, and that have little educational value for other forum users, will be DELETED WITHOUT RESPONSE. YOUR PAYMENT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. The most common examples of such questions are those about low risk exposures to HIV, such as oral sex, condom- protected intercourse hand-to-genital exposure, and nonsexual contact with possibly infected blood or body fluids as well as symptoms of early HIV infection.
Worried about low risk exposure
by tony5320, Jul 23, 2008 10:02AM
Doctor,
Had a low risk exposure about five months ago with a girl of unknown status. I would guess negative, no i/v drug use, not a prostitute, healthy girl, met her through a friend of mine. Anyway, was drunk, fooled around a little and I entered her unprotected for less than 30 seconds, I stopped b/c I didn't have a condom. Based on info on this site I didn't get tested. Recently, I started a new sexual relationship, always protected sex, she asked me my status and I told her negative but I'm feeling a little guilty b/c I was never tested. Should I get tested based on my one brief encounter. Thanks for your help.
Had a low risk exposure about five months ago with a girl of unknown status. I would guess negative, no i/v drug use, not a prostitute, healthy girl, met her through a friend of mine. Anyway, was drunk, fooled around a little and I entered her unprotected for less than 30 seconds, I stopped b/c I didn't have a condom. Based on info on this site I didn't get tested. Recently, I started a new sexual relationship, always protected sex, she asked me my status and I told her negative but I'm feeling a little guilty b/c I was never tested. Should I get tested based on my one brief encounter. Thanks for your help.
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Jul 23, 2008 10:33AM
, Jul 23, 2008 10:33AM
Great question. You have had at least one unprotected encounter and perhaps others since you last (if ever) got tested. Do you need testing?
While each of the encounters you may have had in the past was likely to be low risk, stuff does "happen" and asymptomatic infections are a reality. Thus, on this site, we would say that you qualify for periodic STD "screening" (testing in the absence of symptoms) because you have had multiple partners over a period of less than a year and or have not been tested. As a matter of personal protection, we recommend annual testing for anyone who has had two or more sex partners in the past year (we consider this to be health maintenance- we also recommend you get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly).
For persons entering a new relationship such as you, a great way to start things out is for both members of the couple to go get screened. This is not a sign of distrust but a sign of respect and acknowledgement that asymptomatic infections do occur. Sexual health is a fundamental right and to acknowledge its importance is a sign of respect for the other half of your relationship. I hope this helps. That you can even have such a conversation is a great way to start a relationship. EWH
While each of the encounters you may have had in the past was likely to be low risk, stuff does "happen" and asymptomatic infections are a reality. Thus, on this site, we would say that you qualify for periodic STD "screening" (testing in the absence of symptoms) because you have had multiple partners over a period of less than a year and or have not been tested. As a matter of personal protection, we recommend annual testing for anyone who has had two or more sex partners in the past year (we consider this to be health maintenance- we also recommend you get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly).
For persons entering a new relationship such as you, a great way to start things out is for both members of the couple to go get screened. This is not a sign of distrust but a sign of respect and acknowledgement that asymptomatic infections do occur. Sexual health is a fundamental right and to acknowledge its importance is a sign of respect for the other half of your relationship. I hope this helps. That you can even have such a conversation is a great way to start a relationship. EWH
Member Comments (7)
by tony5320, Jul 23, 2008 03:57PM
To: Dr. Hook
Previous to my unprotected encounter, I was in a commited relationship for 2 years. Both were tested during the relationship, both negative. Afterwards, I had the brief encounter. Only one! B/c it was brief I felt that I didn't need testing plus I never felt sick or experienced any std's at all and I don't think she's hiv+. I'm a little nervous now, I know the risk is small but I guess hiv infection is possible if the person was infected. Do you think I have anything to really worry about? Also, on average when does hiv infection symptoms start taking effect if a person is infected and doesn't know it. Thanks for your help.
by Edward W Hook, MD, Jul 23, 2008 05:32PM
, Jul 23, 2008 05:32PM
Do I thinnk you are at risk? Honestly no. But, as I said, stuff happens. A negative test is primarily an assurance for you. If you choose not to get tested, I would not worry. Using the same reasoning, I also presume you will not get tested for hypertension or diabetes any time soon either. Nothing is likely to happen. TAke care. EWH
by tony5320, Jul 31, 2008 09:39AM
To: Dr. Hook
Went and got all std tests today, waiting on the results, I wanted to know in the meantime if its safe to still have sex with my girlfriend based on my situation? Thanks for your help.
by Edward W Hook, MD, Jul 31, 2008 02:27PM
, Jul 31, 2008 02:27PM
Is it safe? Probably. Will it be safer in a day or two when you have results - yes. You have to be the judge of what risk you can tolerate. the chance of you being infected is quite low. EWH
by tony5320, Aug 01, 2008 07:38AM
To: Dr. Hook
Decided to get HIV rapid test..result was negative. It was an oraquick advance test, using just saliva..are these tests very accurate? If so, I'm moving on...thanks for all your help.
by Edward W Hook, MD, Aug 01, 2008 09:49AM
, Aug 01, 2008 09:49AM
Oraquick Advance is a well characterized, reliable test. EWH
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