HomeAnswersSexologyhivI had sex with a guy who tested positive for HIV with a viral load of 62000 copies. What are my chances of acquiring HIV?

What are the chances of HIV transmission if a female has anal sex with an HIV-positive guy whose viral load is high?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

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Published At November 1, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had anal sex with a guy and used a condom. The condom was intact, and I am 100 % sure that after sex, we disposed of the condom in a dustbin. I always check condoms during and after sex properly. I saw enough semen on the tip of the condom. I have good oral hygiene, and I do not have any ulcers or bleeding gums. I asked my partner to get tested the next day, but he told me that his sample had to be resent. I got a panic attack and spoke to my doctor. I started PEP within 40 hours of exposure. Later, I discovered he is HIV positive with a viral load of 62000 copies. I have anxiety and panic attacks. What will be my risk with this exposure, as he has a high viral load? What are my chances of acquiring HIV?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are two situations in your case. At first, there was anal intercourse, and you were receptive, and this mode of sexual intercourse is risky. The transmission risk is higher than vaginal sex or active sexual intercourse. But fortunately, the condom was used, and it was intact, which reduced the risk to almost nil. Yes, theoretically, they say there is a risk, but practically, if the condom was intact, which you checked too, then the risk is almost zero. You can remain relaxed. Now in the second situation, you were active in oral intercourse, and the risk of transmission by this mode is almost nil. If there are no active lesions, then remain relaxed. The risk is rarest of rare. Yes, you should have the medicine. This would be difficult, but it will keep you safe.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I also underwent an ELISA test on the 12th day, which came negative. I am just paranoid because his viral load is high. Will I be alright with the description given before? How effective is PEP?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) has excellent effectiveness. Your risk is also not very much, so this will work. It would help if you went for an RNA (ribonucleic acid) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, which should usually be done at around eight to ten days of exposure to rule out any infection. I suggest you undergo HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) duo (antigen and antibody) test at four weeks, and if that comes negative, you can sit relaxed.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I will get an RNA PCR test done tomorrow, it will be two weeks tomorrow. Is it ok now to get HIV RNA PCR test?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you are safe. Yes, the chances you will come positive are rarest of rare. But I will advise you to complete the PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and not stop this before four weeks.

Thanks.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks a lot.

This incident has changed me forever. Thanks a lot for helping me through this tough time

Regards.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please avoid any kind of high-risk sexual intercourse. If you are going for anal intercourse which has the highest risk, then always encourage your partner to use lubricant and condoms. Also, if possible, avoid any sudden encounters with any high-risk person.

Thanks.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnui

Psychiatry

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