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What Are Risk Of Transmission Of HIV Through Unprotected Oral Sex?
Question: Regrettably and shamefully I had intercourse with a sex worker yesterday and now am in total fear. I am the most paranoid person ever of catching HIV and looking for advice/peace of mind.
I received unprotected oral sex and we also engaged in protected penetrative sex (using condom) And only for 5 minutes. Obviously I don't know whether this woman has HIV but I'm scared since she is a sex worker. What's worse is that I have a minuscule cut/nick on the base of my penis from shaving 2 hours previous to the episode which I'm not sure if the condom covered. One on my penis can barely even be classed as a cut, think i just nipped the skin and made a red mark as I dont remember any blood and it doesn't even appear to have any 'scab-like' appearance....however there is a small cut that is located on my scrotom, very close (basically beside) the base of my penis which obviously wouldn't have been inside the vagina but may have touched it, I'm not entirely sure, would this count as risk?
Also because these cuts are small like I said, would 2 hours provide enough time for them to 'heal' enough to form a barrier against infection if I was exposed? As I said i have no recollection of any bleeding etc but they are still present which is a worry.
Also today (the next day) I've awoken to feeling lethargic and I have a sore throat...could these be early symptoms?
Basically I'm finding every reason to panic.
What is my likelihood of hiv transmission? Again this is hypothetical because the lady may not have HIV but being a sex worker the worry is always there. The lady clearly stated she never had penetrative sex without using 'protection'. Furthermore, I know you can't really tell if someone has HIV by appearance but from what I remember she seemed well, e.g. no obvious symptoms such as fever or rash.
Also I'm within 48 hours, is there enough of a case for me to get PEP or am I just being overly paranoid? I heard PEP can have pretty dire side affects.
Basically after this dreadful episode, I'd like reassurance as to whether I'm panicking over nothing or whether I have genuine concerns over a 'high risk exposure'
I received unprotected oral sex and we also engaged in protected penetrative sex (using condom) And only for 5 minutes. Obviously I don't know whether this woman has HIV but I'm scared since she is a sex worker. What's worse is that I have a minuscule cut/nick on the base of my penis from shaving 2 hours previous to the episode which I'm not sure if the condom covered. One on my penis can barely even be classed as a cut, think i just nipped the skin and made a red mark as I dont remember any blood and it doesn't even appear to have any 'scab-like' appearance....however there is a small cut that is located on my scrotom, very close (basically beside) the base of my penis which obviously wouldn't have been inside the vagina but may have touched it, I'm not entirely sure, would this count as risk?
Also because these cuts are small like I said, would 2 hours provide enough time for them to 'heal' enough to form a barrier against infection if I was exposed? As I said i have no recollection of any bleeding etc but they are still present which is a worry.
Also today (the next day) I've awoken to feeling lethargic and I have a sore throat...could these be early symptoms?
Basically I'm finding every reason to panic.
What is my likelihood of hiv transmission? Again this is hypothetical because the lady may not have HIV but being a sex worker the worry is always there. The lady clearly stated she never had penetrative sex without using 'protection'. Furthermore, I know you can't really tell if someone has HIV by appearance but from what I remember she seemed well, e.g. no obvious symptoms such as fever or rash.
Also I'm within 48 hours, is there enough of a case for me to get PEP or am I just being overly paranoid? I heard PEP can have pretty dire side affects.
Basically after this dreadful episode, I'd like reassurance as to whether I'm panicking over nothing or whether I have genuine concerns over a 'high risk exposure'
Brief Answer:
Be relaxed, there is no cause for concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
First and foremost let me reassure you there is no cause for concern and being tensed up. There is always a solution. It is good that you contacted us.
The risk of transmission of HIV through unprotected oral sex is almost nil. The risk of transmission of infection from woman to man is less, its due to less duration of exposure in men. As you had used a condom which could have safely covered the urethra, its unlikely that the vaginal secretions could have come in contact with the micro abrasion present at base of Penis and also over scrotum. The very simple act of scratching the genitals could produce micro abrasion in all individuals. Condom avoids sufficient protection provided there is no break in it.
I would consider this exposure as passing incident which can be left alone. The risk and adverse effects of PEP are very high . In this exposure it is definitely not indicated.
You can get P24 antigen assay which can be done as early as 7 days for reassurance that you are not infected.
Do Get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon
Be relaxed, there is no cause for concern
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX
First and foremost let me reassure you there is no cause for concern and being tensed up. There is always a solution. It is good that you contacted us.
The risk of transmission of HIV through unprotected oral sex is almost nil. The risk of transmission of infection from woman to man is less, its due to less duration of exposure in men. As you had used a condom which could have safely covered the urethra, its unlikely that the vaginal secretions could have come in contact with the micro abrasion present at base of Penis and also over scrotum. The very simple act of scratching the genitals could produce micro abrasion in all individuals. Condom avoids sufficient protection provided there is no break in it.
I would consider this exposure as passing incident which can be left alone. The risk and adverse effects of PEP are very high . In this exposure it is definitely not indicated.
You can get P24 antigen assay which can be done as early as 7 days for reassurance that you are not infected.
Do Get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hi, thanks for your expert opinion, it is very reassuring regarding low risk of HIV...I do have another couple of quick questions regarding 'symptoms' that I have acquired.
For the past 2 days (this is now 5 days after incident) I have had bladder discomfort (not actually sore but just discomforting) and I am urinating more frequently than normal....I was wondering whether these were signs of an STD and if there was any indication as to which ones it could be if this were a symptom?
I have also been experiencing a minor 'cold' which I dont know if it would be connected or whether this is just coincidence?
Could these symptoms be concerned with HIV (worst case scenario) or could they still be something potentially less lethal?
Thanks
For the past 2 days (this is now 5 days after incident) I have had bladder discomfort (not actually sore but just discomforting) and I am urinating more frequently than normal....I was wondering whether these were signs of an STD and if there was any indication as to which ones it could be if this were a symptom?
I have also been experiencing a minor 'cold' which I dont know if it would be connected or whether this is just coincidence?
Could these symptoms be concerned with HIV (worst case scenario) or could they still be something potentially less lethal?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
It's not due to infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Stress and anxiety of having contracted HIV could possibly be the reason for increased frequency of Urine. It's usual to see such symptoms during seroconversion.
Cold is also unrelated and has occurred coincidentally.
Rest be assured there is no cause for concern
Take care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak
It's not due to infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
Stress and anxiety of having contracted HIV could possibly be the reason for increased frequency of Urine. It's usual to see such symptoms during seroconversion.
Cold is also unrelated and has occurred coincidentally.
Rest be assured there is no cause for concern
Take care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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