AboutTerry B Expertise Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice
Experience Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.
Organizations Disabled American Veterans
American Public Health Association
MENSA
AA
Publications Human Variety, EC Sociological Society
Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa
"HIV and Primary Care"
Education/Credentials BS Psychology
MPH Master of Public Health
PhD studies underway
Awards and Honors Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction
Question I made a terrible mistake lastnight and had an encounter with 1 of my female friends against my better judgement knowing how promiscuous she is. Let me just say that I am bi-sexual and have only had 1 other sexual relationship about 2 years ago with my ex girlfriend and my husband who I am still married to.
At first I let her just rub me without pants on and then she had asked to go down on me.....stupid me I let her and as she was doing so she starting to finger me...she has fingernails and it felt like she was slightly tearing me inside. After she was done we noticed that I was bleeding and not from being on my period but im thinking maybe she cut me inside. I am terribly worried now thinking maybe I could get HIV or AIDS and I don't know what to do. I told my husband because he and I are so open with eachother and he told me it takes about 3 days for the virus to hit, so im planning on going to the Dr. this week...I know a little about AIDS n stuff just from the Internet and my gay friends but just wanted a good solid honest answer from you.
Please help.
Thank you
Answer Dear Jazzy:
Peace. Her performing oral sex on you and causing you to bleed would place her at greater risk for HIV transmission if you were infected; the exposure to blood, semen, vaginal secretions places her at risk, you not so much. As for three weeks for the virus to "hit" be assured that is wrong. There are procedures one can institute inside of 72 hours of exposure that might reduce your risk - taking antiretrovirals under provider supervision - but the timing is crucial and there are risks from the meds themselves. It's called "post-exposure prophylaxis" and honestly, in your case it doesn't seem necessary. You weren't exposed to significant amounts of her infectious fluids from what I can see. Having an uncomfortable sexual encounter heightens anxiety, but the HIV risk seems slight.
Testing has advanced, but the earliest tests you can take also run a risk of a "false positive" - some studies say as high as 12% - which would cause you needless anxiety. An antibody test at three weeks (the standard test) is somewhat reliable but understand that it measures your body's response to a virus already present.
I hope this clarifies a bit. That's as good and solid an answer as I can give. Best to you and yours,
