Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Am I at risk for infection?

I went to a gay sauna, and the following behaviors made me feel scared, so I took post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) around 22 hours later:
1.        I wrapped my lower body in a towel and simulated sexual positions with a man (regard me as top), hugging and rubbing against him for about 2 minutes.         Then, feeling unsafe, I put on a condom and rubbed against the man's back for about 5 minutes, with a towel wrapped around my waist.         My genitals did not actually penetrate the other person's anus.         However, when I went to take a shower later, I used the same towel to wipe my body, and I suspect that the towel may have come into contact with the fluid from the the person's anus, which could have touched my anus.         Because I have an anal fissure, I am very afraid of infection.

2.        The second behavior is that because I have an anal fissure, I suspect that there may be someone else's semen on the chair I sat on.         Could this be transmitted to me?

3.        I also briefly licked a man's scrotum and the base of his penis for less than 5 seconds.         My mouth did not touch the other person's glans or foreskin.

4.        A stranger briefly inserted his finger into my anus, but I immediately stopped him.       I'm worried he has semen on his fingers and I have a slit in my anus.

I did not engage in any penetrative sexual activity (both active and passive), but what I am most afraid of is the risk associated with my anal fissure.

I was very scared.      Even after taking PEP, I didn’t dare to get tested.      I was afraid to face it.     Please kind-hearted experts help me analyze the risks.
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
20620809 tn?1504362969
To answer your question "am I at risk of HIV?". No. You had no risk and you should NOT be taking pep.  

The ONLY risks for HIV are to have unprotected vaginal or anal sex (with full penetration) and sharing IV needles to inject drugs. Saliva and air inactivate the virus.

So, not a single thing is a risk that you describe.

Any doctor that would give you pep for this is irresponsible. Pep has tons of side effects and was not warranted in any way.

you don't need to test. You need to get some therapy for anxiety if after what I've said . . . you still feel anxious.
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Thank you for your patient answer. I just finished PEP. To be honest, PEP has many side effects, including diarrhea, rash, and muscle soreness. I have a long history of anxiety and your answers have relieved a huge part of my stress.
Here's the facts on anxiety. While I'm happy to give accurate information and help someone understand their risk level (most often none here and people have a hard time accepting that due to anxiety) . . . the issue with anxiety reassurance is it is never enough. A hit of reassurance makes you feel better but then thoughts creep back in and you need another anxiety relief hit. It's a vicious cycle and you have to address it through the well known ways of dealing with anxiety. It's rough. But you have to NOT ask for reassurance. NOT look anything up. Not try to think about it logically. Just let the floats sit there doing nothing with them. It's uncomfortable but eventually your mind moves on and the anxiety about that issue goes away. The more you do this, eventually that thing doesn't make you anxious at all anymore. Otherwise, every time you try to reassure yourself? It just keeps the anxiety alive.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.