Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 9/28/2008

Question
Hi, I have been worried sick over this for the past month. 5 weeks ago I slept with someone who gave me herpes. We had sex twice and he wore a condom both times but I still got herpes from him. Now I'm terrified that I could have gotten hiv from him. (his hiv status is unknown). Before we had sex he rubbed himself against me (but not inside me) for a few seconds before putting a condom on. I'm wondering if he did have hiv if it could have been transmitted inside of me from his pre-cum from rubbing against me. I did not notice any sores on him although he must have been having an outbreak to give me herpes. I did not have herpes yet at the time of this encounter.
I tested negative for all other std's and for hiv but that was only two weeks later. I'm going back soon but I'm wondering if I have reason to be worried? I'm driving myself insane.
Thank you so much

Answer
Herpes is transmitted from skin to skin contact- which happens even when a condom is used. HIV is not transmitted in the same way.

It is possible if pre-seminal fluid entered your vagina while rubbing that transmission could occur but it is extremely unlikely.