Expert: Terry B - 2/3/2008

Question
Hi Terry,

Recently I went to a massage parlor. I was taken to a room where I had to wait for about 3 to 5 min. for the masseur (lady) to show up. The facts are the following: I caressed her breast on top of her blouse as well as her hair for about 1 min., during that time she rubbed my penis on top of my jeans. I felt it was a bit risky so I stepped back and rubbed my own penis on top of my jeans for about 2 min. while she was touching herself on top of her clothes  (jeans and blouse).

After this, I took out my penis, put on a condom and self-masturbated till orgasm.

My concerns:

1. I think she went to the bathroom before entering the room where I was. Say she had contact with any of her fluids and didn't wash her hands (she had long nails), then she touched her hair or blouse. Am I at risk for touching that hair or blouse and afterwards having some contact with the lateral side of my penis while putting on the condom?
2. Similarly, if I touched my jeans 1 min. after she touched them (suppose there were residual fluids in her nails) am I at risk?
3. If my own fluid inside the condom reached the area that I touched while putting the condom on, is it possible for the virus to "crawl" through that fluid to the urethra and enter the blood stream?

Four days after the possible exposure I had a temp of 98.4 and a stiff neck for a few days afterwards; additionally, in week 4 (last week) I had a mild diarrhea (if I can call it so) that lasted two days and some mild headaches. No rashes, flu or white dots in the mouth.

Even though there was no skin-skin contact. I am FREAKED OUT, should I take a test? Thank you in advance.


Answer
Dear Ed:

Peace.  

In reading your questions, I think it expedient to simply say there is no evidence that you were in direct contact with any significant amount of her blood or vaginal secretions.  If you were sharing injection equipment with her, there might be some risk, but you have nothing here that represents significant risk.  

Additionally, symptoms are not good indicators of HIV infection; only testing will help you learn your HIV status.  Because I see no risk, I don't think testing is indicated, unless you wish to pursue same for your peace of mind.

Best to you and yours,

Terry