UNPROTECTED SEX WITH SEX WORKER

[kingurlacher1]

Hey Doc, had unprotected vaginal sex with escort for about 30 seconds, she assured me she is clean. I'm terrified thinking i might have hiv, i know i need to get test but what are the odds. What a stupid mistake, I also did not ejaculate in her. she told me she has a boyfriend that is the only guy she had unprotected sex with. We also had protected sex about 10 mins before, and I couldn't finish, thats why the unprotected sex happened, I pulled out after 30 second terrified.

[kingurlacher1]

I know i said that was my last question, but one more sorry doc. Is it possible to create symptoms, from fear and stress. Sorry maybe the wrong place for this question?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

HIV is inefficiently transmitted, and the per-exposure transmission risk is low.  But of course the risk rises with increasing numbers of exposures, so yes it is true that most HIV infected people become so only after multiple exposures.

I can't guarantee anyone isn't infected.  If I were in your situation, probably I would continue unprotected sex with my wife.  But this should be a mutual decision between the two of you.

[kingurlacher1]

Thanks, your right my fear is not allowing me to be rational, does this mean that hiv is usual transmitted after multiple exposures as opposed to a single exposure? Also do you think its safe to have sex with my wife, as I have confessed everything and thankful she is going to stay with me, or should i wait till after 6 weeks and testing? this is my final question thanks for you honest information!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Perhaps "some people" (whoever they are) who advise you to get tested "no matter what" do not understand the actual risks.  Alternatively, they understand the risks but also understand the same thing I do:  that you are so fearful that no amount of verbal reassurance is going to calm your fears.  The only thing that will do that is a negative HIV test.  So go ahead and get tested for the psychological support it will provide.  You can expect a negative result.

[kingurlacher1]

Thanks doc, I don't mean to ask the same question, but how come people keep telling me to get tested no matter what? I trust what you say as ab expert, but I;m just scared...what can I do?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

As I said, read the existing threads about when to be tested.  (Since you don't need testing at all, the timing doesn't really matter.  But 6-8 weeks after the exposure would be fine.)