Risks

[Gladfor the help]

Recently began relationship with woman I met in computer class.  We began dating and have had unprotected sex three times.  I discovered she works part time as a CSW.  I have broken off with her sexual.  I immediately went and tested for HIV.  The test was one week after the last two sessions but a full 7 weeks after the first session.  I called her and she was insistant she was healthy, usually very discriminating in her clients and slept with me because  she liked me.  (It was not as a client.)   The test was negative.  I am currently taking 750 mg of Lavaquin for  a recurring bout of  prostatitus.  I have about 14 days left on the dose.  For this reason my RX does not want to test until the six week mark from last encounter.  (These tests are for non HIV infections.)     How nervous should I be about these two sessions??  I have read other similiar posts and it would seem from your  remarks I am at pretty low risks.  Please advise.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Sorry, that was a typo. the HIV rate among non-drug using CSWs is about 1%.  In the genneral population who are not drug users, the rate is about 1 in 10,000 women.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Pardon bemusement but who would have thought you might meet a part-time CSW at a computer class.  I don't mean to minimize your concern, but this reminds me that we never know who it is that we are meeting or what their backgrounds might be.

Your risk from the exposure you describe is low.  Your partner sounds level headed and if she is taking precautions her risk for HIV may actually be lower than someone who indiscriminately meets new partners at a bar or club.  Most CSWs in the U.S. do not have HIV and, if they are not commercial sex workers, their risk is likely in the neighborhood of 1% or less. then, with each sex act, in the unlikely circumstance that she had HIV, your risk of infection is less than 1 infection per 1000 exposures.  At 7 weeks, about 99% of persons who are going to have positive tests will have them by that time.  Thus you need not worry about your first exposure.  As you know, while the risk is low, at two weeks since your last two exposures, it is really too early to be completely sure that you did not get infected (about 50% of tests would be positive at this time) but the overall likelihood remains quite low.

Bottom line, this is not a situation to be anxious about.  It is reasonable to get another HIV test at about 8 weeks post-exposure but between now and then I really see little to worry about.

I hope these comments are not too difficult to follow and are helpful.  Your risk is quite low.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Gald to help.  EWH

[Gladfor the help]

Just wanted to say thanks.  The test results were negative across the board.  Tested for other STDs as well.   You provide an invaluable service.  I now am able to make better informed decisions and understand the risks factors more  realistically because of the time and energy you and Dr. HH put into this site.  After watching this board, it has become apparant to me that HIV transmission between hetrosexuals, not otherwise part of high risk groups, is very very rare, which makes sense when you consider the incredible number of unprotected sexual encounters there are in this country every day.  Again thank you for your support and the fine service you provide.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your risk is low to start with.  A negative test at that time (14 May) will be further strong evidence that you did not get HIV form the low risk expsoure that you described.  EWH

[Gladfor the help]

Sorry sir:

Don't know if this last query reached you.

Thanks

[Gladfor the help]

Doctor Hook.  I have not been monitoring this but I have one follow up question.  As a condition of my employment (gov employee) I have to test for HIV before I can go on a business trip abroad.  The test is scheduled for 14 May and is standard for everyone on this assignment.  I am not worried based on above conversation.  My question is this:
14 May will be 4 weeks since my last exposure and 7 weeks after the first of the two mentioned above.  Given the  accuracy of the tests, do you think I should feel confident with this one test or do you think further testing is necessary.  I would  not bother you except this test is mandatory and free and I would like not to concern with this again.

Thanks,

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I do agree.  I am confident that your tests will be negative.  Take care.  EWH

[Gladfor the help]

Sir:
Thank you for the clarification.  I can see my risk is around 1 in 5-10K.  I will wait the 7-8 wk then test.  Your comments have helped greatly.

I think it would be wiser if I did not continue to monitor the site until my results are back.
It is easier not to think about things that way.

Would you not agree.

[Gladfor the help]

Sir:  Please see member comment above.  I meant it to go to you as a follow up.

Thanks

[Gladfor the help]

Thank you for your prompt response.   You are right about not knowing who you are meeting in what walk of life.  I don't frequent bars or clubs for that reason and look who I met.   Sir:  You mention the possible infection rate percentage for a non CSW woman.  What is the percentage for a woman in the business?  I am not going to loose any sleep over these percentages but would like to know.