Question's...I am a sex trade worker...

[pleaseprayforme]

Okay so I wasn't sure exactly which forum my situation coincides with best & I wanted replies from both males & females. My situation might be unlike anything you've ever heard of before & I am expecting criticism but I don't believe that criticism will help me, I need some facts, so let me explain:

When I was 14 years old I followed my in my mother's footsteps & got into the sex-trade by working out of a back room in a strip joint, I was young & under educated about std's & engaged in risky behavior (I allowing unprotected sex to take place once & awhile) at 18(my current age) I contracted genital herpes HSV-2, as I learned of that diagnosis I was just starting a new job at a Erotic Massage parlor, I was blown away by the beauty of the studio, the friendly clientele & the atmosphere that was so different then it was at the strip joint, I made friend's with the other girls as I learned they were also students like myself (I'm going to university for a science degree) So I didn't quit the sex trade & decided only to swear that I would never have sex while having a breakout & of course to ALWAYS use a condom during vaginal & oral intercourse, & I have stuck to that rule, I have been diagnosed with genital herpes for 3 months now & have only had one outbreak since, where the sores were in my vagina. Now I'm worried about HIV because I know someone with HSV-2's chances of getting HIV is double because of the breaks in the skin from the herpes sores, even if they are healed or unnoticeable. I love my life, I love school, my future, my friends at the massage parlor & also the good times that I have at work (the money is good too). Ideally I would like to work at this massage place for a year & a half & then quit & work as a waitress until I complete my degree. So, what do you guy's think? Will using a condom properly every single time with vaginal sex be sufficient in keeping me safe? I can't request an STD report with every client that walks in or I won't make any money, so will my precautions likely keep me from contracting HIV? What are my chances if I have breaks in the skin of my vagina & I sleep with a man who is HIV positive, using a condom? Will using daily antivirals such as Valtrex greatly reduce the risk of contracting HIV? (by reducing the recurrence of herpes lesions)

I expect to get a lot of criticism, but I enjoy my job & I am happy so far with the choice I have made to be in the business (I regret my risky sex acts that resulted in my herpes diagnosis but I have learn't a lesson & from that & will always use a condom at all times.)

Please, a friendly soul to answer my questions would be hugely appreciated!!

[Jeff G]

Please only post in this one thread and do not start another . If you have trouble finding your thread go to your profile and select show own post and it will take you here .

Condoms are an effective barrier against HIV if used consistently and correctly . I do hope you realize though if you are having sex with active herpes there is a high probability you will infect your sex partners . It would probably be beneficial if you consulted a doctor and discussed something like Valtrex to treat your herpes and act as a prophylaxis to prevent outbreaks , thus limiting the risk for you and your clients ... who will not be happy if they contract herpes from you . Its not judgement , just practical advice . Its important to know that you can be infectious for herpes before the actual breakout occurs , so being on a maintenance dose of preventive medicine is probably a good idea .

 To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!
       

[pleaseprayforme]

Thank you for replying Jeff! I am going to take your advice & start daily Valtrex antiviral therapy

So just to be clear, you figure it is impossible for HIV to pass through the pores of a condom & seep into a "break in the skin" from a previous or unnoticed herpes lesion?

Also, do you know how I would go about starting prep pills? Would I talk to my doctor 1st?....

[Jeff G]

Intact condoms prevent HIV if used correctly and consistently . Prep is just as effective for both genders , however if your insurance doesn't cover it the cost may be prohibitive .

Also , PREP isn't all ways 100% effective so you will need to continue to use condoms each and every time you have vaginal or anal sex .   

[jkinatl2]

Thank you for replying Jeff! I am going to take your advice & start daily Valtrex antiviral therapy

So just to be clear, you figure it is impossible for HIV to pass through the pores of a condom & seep into a "break in the skin" from a previous or unnoticed herpes lesion?

Also, do you know how I would go about starting prep pills? Would I talk to my doctor 1st?....

HIV will not infect through a condom. It simply won't.

As for PrEP, there have been so studies of which I am aware that did not combine PrEP with condom use. So while theoretically it is extremely unlikely (damn near impossible) to acquire HIV through PrEP and unprotected anal sex, no reasonable scientist could sat that it is 100% safe.

Your level of assumed risk is up to you.