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AIDS/Lost Virginity and HIV

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Expert: Terry B - 12/14/2007


Question
I lost my virginity to my boyfriend by having unprotected sex and there was a lot of bleeding. Later I found out that he has questionable sexual history. Assuming he is HIV positive, are my chances of infection increased because of the bleeding that occured the first time?

Answer
Dear Jocelyn:

Peace, and sorry for your news of boyfriend's 'questionable sexual history'.  The bleeding resulting from a torn hymen would constitute an open wound and yes, if he is positive, places you at greater risk for transmission.  At the same time, because his history is "questionable" does not mean he is infected, nor even if he is positive, it is not certain that you were infected.  Please contact your health professional or an HIV/STI/STD counseling center.

Best to you and yours and hoping for good health.

Terry

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Terry 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

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