HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can HBV Be Contracted Through Unprotected Intercourse?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jun 2016

Question: Good day! I had an encounter with a female sex worker two weeks ago. The physical contact was limited to massage, prostate stimulation with a finger, anal stimulation with a rubber strapon, and very brief handjob. She put on gloves for massage, although I could not determine whether they were used or new. For strapon sex, she put on a condom, although I did not see whether it stayed on until the end when I ejaculated. The place itself did not look very sanitary and obviously the strapon was used on other males before (although at least not in 1-2 hours prior to being used on me). I was immediately hit with anxiety. This was the only risk encounter out of marriage in many years. I took a qualitative PCR test for HIV/HBV/HCV at 11 days - negative for all three. Based on this encounter, any need for additional testing? Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Test conducted at 11 days is way too early; but STDs seem less likely

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I don't think the chances of transmission of any STD's exist, but I would also like to mention the incubation periods of each of the infections you have tested for:

1. HBV: Has an incubation period of about 1-6 months. If an individual is exposed to the virus, the person may take anywhere from 1-6 months to display any symptoms of the condition.

Hepatitis B surface antigen can be used to confirm/rule out HBV by 2-3 weeks from exposure.

2.HCV has an incubation period of about 4-9 weeks.

HCV RNA testing can be used at around 2-3 weeks from exposure to confirm/rule out the condition.

3. HIV: A test called HIV DUO test can be used to confirm/rule out the infection by 28 days from exposure, so use this test to do so.

You can also choose to undergo an STD-panel which has many other STDs included in it, but as I said sir, it seems unlikely to me. I hope you find my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (32 minutes later)

Thank you for the detailed explanation of the follow up tests! I'm actually leaning towards not testing further as the first doctor and you believe that there was no risk of STD from my exposure. I had no other risk exposures. I thinks it's more about anxiety than actual risk.

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Agreed sir, stay safe, best wishes

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

I do agree with that, the risk in my opinion seems minimal requiring no testing, and the testing is recommended only for the individuals satisfaction and not the doctor's, as in such cases doctors do not even suspect a risk.

I wish you nothing but luck in your future endevours. Please feel free to write to me anytime in the future about anything, I am always here to help. Stay safe.

Best wishes.

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar