How does HIV get transmitted?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a breakup with my girlfriend, and due to the loss, I ended up having sex with a sex worker. But I had used protection, and the condom was intact after my ejaculation. I even checked for any leaks but found none. After which she gently rubbed my penis for about 15 seconds, and I tried to do it a second time; however, since I could not get an erection and was not able to put the condom on, I did not do it a second time.

So my question is, do I need to take any tests for STDs, as I did not use protection? Now I am back with my girlfriend, so can I engage in protected sex with my girlfriend? Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concerns about contracting STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). As stated above, you were careful enough to use a condom, and fortunately, there was no breach or spillage of fluids, which almost makes a negligible chance for transmission of STDs. So, practically speaking, there is little risk of major sexually transmitted infections. However, skin contact with sex workers can cause infections, and it is important to be watchful for the next couple of weeks.

In case symptoms emerge, appropriate tests must be ordered. If symptoms do not emerge, the experience can be ignored. I also like to communicate that even with the use of protection, it is never 100 percent safe and should be avoided as far as possible.

Regarding your engagement with your regular partner, I feel protection should be used for the next couple of months to avoid any form of STD transmission to your girlfriend.

I hope this answers you.

Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the follow-up and for letting me know that you decided to exercise proper control over future decisions. The absence of any symptoms after ten days of exposure rules out most skin-to-skin contact infections, and rest assured, you can keep aside this experience for the rest of your life. An intact condom and no contact with body fluids eliminate the risk of the most severe infections. I think you can keep aside that part, including the anxiety associated with it.

I hope this helps you.

Further, in case you have more questions, feel free to write back to me.

I wish you great health ahead.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 3

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the follow-up.

As we have discussed everything in detail, at this stage, consider the safety profile up to mark. I feel this needs to be ignored for the time being. Since there is nothing to add specifically, I am closing this query.

In case you feel there are no more questions, please post here.

Thanks again.

Answer 4

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the follow-up and much essential positive attitude.

Definitely, it is something that is difficult to say, but the turning of events over the last two weeks shows nothing abnormal, and I hope everything will remain as normal as possible. As we move on, it is important to remain vigilant and discard all worries with time.

Thanks again for your resilience.

Regards.