Female Asking- Same condom used on me after being used on a foreign prostitute-Am I at high risk for the HIV infection?

[LittleBitScared]

Dr. Doctor,

  Despite my better judgment during a port visit with my military unit to Cartagena Columbia, I visited a brothel house with a few of my male co-workers. Not thinking much of it, I agreed to go into a room with two male co-workers and one female prostitute.
One male didn

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

As others already responded (below), and as you already know, it wasn't smart to share a condom.  But the actual risk from any single exposure is generally very low; and your risk by indirect (secondary) exposure to secretions that might have been on the outside of the comdon is lower still.  Should you have a positive HIV test, I would actually suspect other sources than this one.  But to ease your mind, you should be tested for HIV and common STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis).  You can expect negative results.

You don't need to wait 3 months for HIV testing; 6 weeks is enough.  For more information, use the search link to look for innumerable discussions on 'time to positive HIV test'.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[LittleBitScared]

Thank you Dr. HHH and to everyone who posted a reply.
I will follow the advice and test in 6 weeks.
Thank you again Doctor HHH.
-LittleBitScared

[Staciaa]

Hello, I would get checked just in case. Not even condoms can protect you 100% You should allso get tested for other STD's he had contact with te other womens gentials, so you could in fact have been exposed.

The risk of HIV transmission occurring after any potential exposure to bodily fluids is poorly defined. The highest risk sexual activity, however, is thought to be anal intercourse without a condom. In this case, the risk of infection may be as high as 3% to 5% for each exposure. The risk is probably less for vaginal intercourse without a condom and even less for oral sex without a latex barrier. Despite the fact that no single sexual exposure carries a high risk of contagion, HIV infection can occur after even one sexual event. Thus, people must always be diligent in protecting themselves from potential infection.

Within 2 to 6 weeks of an exposure, the majority of infected persons will have a positive HIV antibody test, with virtually all being positive by 6 months. The test used most commonly for diagnosing infection with HIV is referred to as an ELISA. If the ELISA finds the HIV antibody, the presence of the antibody is confirmed by a test called a Western blot. During this period of time shortly after infection, more than 50% of those infected will experience a "flu-like" or

[mikey29]

the post above is all copy and paste

In response to your inquiry, HIV cannot live long outside the body, so it is highly improbable that you were exposed to HIV in the manner you describe.  Also, take into account the slim chance that the prostitute even had HIV.  The risk is really slim to none that you could have gotten HIV from this exposure.

However, you should get tested for all other bacterial STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which are more easily transmitted.  Still, chances are you didn't catch those either.

Next time use a clean condom.  Don't make poor decisions and you won't have anything to worry about.