Dr. Sushil Kakkar
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had protected sex with a sex worker. First, she started off with a protected blowjob followed by protected sex which lasted no more than 30 seconds. My concern is that three to four hours prior to sex, I shaved my penis and got a tiny cut on the shaft. Although during the entire activity I made sure that the cut was covered with the condom, but still wanted to check if this was a risk situation. I am worried a lot.
Please help.
Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have noted your concern. Protected sex is safe as far as risk of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is concerned. However, there is still a risk of genital herpes, HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) infection or warts as a condom does not cover the entire penis and there is some uncovered skin at the base of the penis for a skin to skin contact. If the cut was covered, it obviously does not increase the risk. Even if it was exposed, then HIV is still not a risk as it has to be a fresh actively bleeding cut for the virus to pass through. A paper thin cut that is a few hours old is self-sealing.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Before intercourse, the girl also massaged my penis (handjob). So, is there a risk of opening up that wound during this activity? Although I did not feel anything. And while having intercourse, I made sure that the wound was covered with the condom. So, in this scenario would you recommend an HIV test?
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
A hand job is safe. There is no risk of any STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) through a hand job. If the wound or cut was covered then there is obviously no risk of HIV. It was a safe sexual encounter. So, there is no risk of HIV though you may take a test for your own satisfaction.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Although the wound was not bleeding actively at that time and I also made sure that it was covered with the condom, but if it was not then is there a risk?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
If it was not actively bleeding, then there is no increased risk of HIV even if it was exposed. A thin paper cut wound that is a few hours old (three to hours) is self-sealing. Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Sorry for being paranoid. Does actively bleeding mean where one can see the blood? As I mentioned, the girl gave me hand job that was unprotected followed by a protected blowjob and then protected sex. But if that hand job would have opened up the wound then is there a risk? And in this type of scenario would you recommend PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis)?
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, actively bleeding cut means that it should be bleeding at the time of contact. I do not think the hand job would have caused it to bleed. Moreover, it was covered with a condom. It was not a high-risk contact. So, there is no need for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am uploading a picture of the cut. Can you examine it and let me know if it can cause any transmission?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is a very fine cut that is covered with a scab. It must have sealed itself by the time you had intercourse. I think you should not worry about it. As I said it is a fine cut that is self-sealing within a few hours. Moreover, as you said it was covered with a condom during the sexual act.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
So, there is nothing to be worried about right? My anxiety levels are going high since yesterday.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes. It was not a high-risk contact. You may nevertheless screen with an STD panel at four weeks and then again at 12 weeks.
Regards.
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Dermatology
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