pulling out before ejaculation

[Sal99]

I am a 24yr old male who about a week ago had unprotected vaginal sex with a girl I don't know very well and will likely never see again.  She afterwards said that she had condoms with her and that she always uses them but foolishly in the heat of the moment we did not.  Anyway, I pulled out of her before ejaculating and I am curious as to whether pulling out before ejaculation is less risky for men regarding catching HIV than finishing inside.  It would make sense since the tip of my penis was seemingly never open (my precum release was already done before) inside her and I don't have any cuts so how would I have been exposed?  In either event, would you recommend based on this experience that I get tested for HIV and/or other STD's?  Prior to this incident I have only had unprotected sex with my girlfriend, should I be worried about giving her something?  thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There are no data about STD/HIV transmission for men related to ejaculation in or out of the vagina.  I doubt there is any difference.  I don't follow your reasoning as to why ejaculation would increase the risk; the meatus (penile opening) is no more "open" or "closed" before, during or after ejaculation.

I can't comment on the level of risk; you don't provide enough information about your partner.  It's even possible she was more at risk of infection from you than you were from her.  Many other threads on this forum have addressed the very low risk of HIV acquisition during any single episode of vaginal intercourse, even if one partner is infected--and probably she isn't.  Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and HPV all are much more likely than HIV.  If you have reason to believe your quickie partner hops in the sack frequently with different guys, you might want to be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[medicinesales]

http://www.medical-health-care-information.com/encyclopedia/Aids-hiv.asp