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What Are The Chances Of STD Transmission Through Anal Sex?
Question: Last night I engaged in a sexual behavior I am not proud of. I am a male and briefly inserted another man without protection. As I do not have a large penis and he was somewhat "loose," I didn't realize I was "in" him until about 15-20 seconds later, at which point I pulled out. I don't actually know if I entered is rectum but was probably close. There was no lubrication so I could not have gone very "deep" and it did not last long. Still, the exposure has me overwhelmed with anxiety. Does this exposure merit PEP? What about testing? This is my only sexual encounter since my last negative test.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Brief Answer:
You need to get tested.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
You had unprotected anal sex with someone whose status is not known then the risk is considered very less because as such also anal sex is much less risky than vaginal sex and the exposure was only for 15-20 seconds, not very deep.
The best solution is to start PEP within 72 hours after an expert consultataion and then go for the test at-least after 2 weeks to get reliable result beacuse window period for HIV varies from 15 days to 3 months.
As your friend I will also suggest to stay away from such unsafe sexual practice to prevent the future risk of HIV and other STDs. For any further query get back to me again and I am always available here to help you.
Thank You
You need to get tested.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
You had unprotected anal sex with someone whose status is not known then the risk is considered very less because as such also anal sex is much less risky than vaginal sex and the exposure was only for 15-20 seconds, not very deep.
The best solution is to start PEP within 72 hours after an expert consultataion and then go for the test at-least after 2 weeks to get reliable result beacuse window period for HIV varies from 15 days to 3 months.
As your friend I will also suggest to stay away from such unsafe sexual practice to prevent the future risk of HIV and other STDs. For any further query get back to me again and I am always available here to help you.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thank you doctor. To follow up - anal sex is less risky than vaginal? I suppose this only applies to the insertive partner, correct? I was not aware of this - is it because of less fluid secretions from anus as opposed to vagina?
Also, regarding PEP - I have heard that in most cases, it is only administered to individuals with a known exposure with an HIV positive partner. Should I still get a consultation after this potential exposure?
I did ask if he was clean and he said "yes, of course". I didn't disbelieve him, though I don't know him either.
Thanks again
Also, regarding PEP - I have heard that in most cases, it is only administered to individuals with a known exposure with an HIV positive partner. Should I still get a consultation after this potential exposure?
I did ask if he was clean and he said "yes, of course". I didn't disbelieve him, though I don't know him either.
Thanks again
Brief Answer:
Get the consultation and follow the advice.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
You had rightly said about the insertive partner and if the status is unknown than it is considered less risky and your partner is claiming that he is clean than don't get worried too much about HIV as the possibility is very much unlikely.
It is also true that PEP is offered to indivisuals who had known exposure with HIV positive partner but still consult an expert and ask him to start PEP for your safety and satisfaction. Follow the expert advice then get tested after 15 days.
Thank You
Get the consultation and follow the advice.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
You had rightly said about the insertive partner and if the status is unknown than it is considered less risky and your partner is claiming that he is clean than don't get worried too much about HIV as the possibility is very much unlikely.
It is also true that PEP is offered to indivisuals who had known exposure with HIV positive partner but still consult an expert and ask him to start PEP for your safety and satisfaction. Follow the expert advice then get tested after 15 days.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
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