Expert: Terry B - 5/27/2007

Question
I found out today by a fairly reliable friend that the guy i had sex with this morning was HIV positive. I wish i had of known beforehand.

Clearly I'm scared to no end that i may have contracted the virus.

When we were having sex, i did not take him, he took me. No semen was discharged by myself, i don't pre cum, and i am circumcised and i have no cuts on my penis.  I'm currently taking Minomycin for skin problems (50mg twice a day)  The exposure wasn't for long, id say maybe 10 - 15 min before i noticed and stopped, we didn't continue after(I no that probably isn't important now).  Thats what i know.  I'm aware that I'm in a very high risk catagory for HIV from what i already know and I'm scared scenceless and extremely annoyed that i may have contracted the virus.

I'd like to know what is my potential risk of infection?

I always wear protection, but the first/only other time in the past where the condom broke (months ago), very similar circumstance, the guy fortunately was negative but they did pass on Gonorrhea and Clamydia.  All of which was treated.  I no i maybe sharing more than i probably should, but i know all possible details of medical past will help acurate assessment.

Answer
Dear Zak:

Peace and all good things.  I am unclear as to what you mean by "taking" - your exposure to his fluids is what puts you at risk, his exposure to yours puts him at risk.  Those fluids are blood, semen, vaginal secretions and/or breast milk.  If you contracted sexually transmitted infections in the past you were at risk of HIV transmission and if this situation was similar I would see you at risk again as well.

Here's what I recommend - today:  

IF your current health provider is available to you, and if you are comfortable with a referral, he/she might be able to refer you for counseling and allow you to maintain your relationship with him/her for your testing and potential treatment.  

If not, ask a good friend, a support or advocacy group, and/or search www.thebody.com to find a voluntary HIV/STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) counseling and testing center near you.  Call today and set up an appointment with an experienced counselor, and get thee hence as soon as possible.  Be ready, willing, and able to talk openly about specifics in your risk and ways to reduce same - there are no stupid questions in life and death matters.  Ask for the most appropriate testing available, and as far as possible avoid potential exposures or fluid exchanges as advised by your counselor especially until you have some results.  

You are accurate in saying you are at high risk, in part because you are already dealing with an STI.  On the other hand, know that every exposure does not equate to an infection, and HIV is more difficult to transmit than other STI's.

Be aware that some of the "immediate" tests for HIV have as high as a 10% false positive rate (meaning 1 in 10 times it indicates you may be infected when you are not) and antibody testing is most accurate at least six weeks after exposure.  

IF you have been infected, know that treatment options have grown over the years, and I am having lunch next week with a friend who found out his positive status in 1991.  Life isn't always easy, but it can be very good even with HIV.

I wish the best for you and yours, good and improving health and greater safety.

Terry