Fingering a HIV+ and PEP with Combivir?

[loopey1221]

Hello,

I had one night of druken stupor 5 nights ago, where I (hetero male) had fingered a HIV+ female. After fingering to her orgasm (there was vaginal fluid), I washed my hands, and proceeded to masturbate myself on her breast with orgasm. I noticed the next day that I had small minutia pinprick cut on the hand I used to masturbate with. I visited several hospitals who have all defined me as low risk. I have taken a rapid test (negative), but it is too soon to tell I understand.

I have started taking PEP (Combivir) after 36 hours after exposure as I knew if I was positive, I would not have a recourse later. Also, if it matters, her viral load was 50.

1. Should I stop Combivir now (I am afraid of fertility problems in the future)
2. If I stop, will that affect me physically (I heard Hep C, liver issues a possiblility even after stopping?)
3. Is there a test I can take to tell me HIV status based on exposure now (so I don't have to proceed with PEP for a month)
 
Please let me know your opinion. (There was no vaginal/anal intercourse)



Thank you!

[Ann]

loopey,

1. You should stop taking combivir now, not because of any fertility concerns (there aren't any) but because you had NO RISK. Fingering is absolutely not a risk for hiv infection, regardless of any cuts, pinpricks or scrapes on your fingers.

2. Hep C is caused by a virus, not by medications. You can stop with no problems.

3. You don't need PEP for a month. Unless you've been having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse in the past six weeks that you haven't told us about, you don't need further testing. You do not have hiv and you certainly didn't get it from fingering.

Fingering is a NO RISK activity.

Ann

[loopey1221]

Ok Anne - I will stop taking Combivir today. I will have taken dosage for 6 days so far. I hope that places some defense in the off chance that I was positive.
In relation to my 3rd question; is there a test that can tell me my current HIV status today (to be confirmed at the 3 month mark of course); just for peace of mind?

Please let me know.
Thank you!

[jkinatl2]

There is no risk for HIV in fingering. I am amazed that any doctor prescribed you PEP if s/he was told that this event was your "exposure." Such a thing would be highly unethical.

This site uses science, not fear, to assess HIV transmission risk. And there has NEVER been a case where fingering was even CLAIMED, much less documented, to be a transmission vector. This is as outlandish as the notion that kissing or shaking hands can transmit the virus.

[loopey1221]

Umm.....so I took the Combivir from the HIV+ female after reading it was used for PEP. (I asked her and she allowed me to)

Before you massacre me, and believe me...I know this is not on - but I wanted to protect myself since the biggest thing for me was - rather than wait till 90 days to discover my HIV status, I could actively work on it prior, especially since I would have no recourse then(after 90 days).

My only question is a PCR test an option to discover HIV status or no?

I will discontinue this treatment today.

[Ann]

Loopy,

There is no test other than the rapid test you have already taken that is warranted in  your circumstances.

The only time an RNA PCR test is approved for diagnostic purposes if the person has been the receptive partner in unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse where the insertive partner is known to be hiv positive. This is no where near what happened in your case.


You do not need further testing. You had a rapid test after the NO RISK fingering incident, therefore you ARE hiv NEGATIVE.

By the way, you should never take heavy-duty meds like those used to treat hiv unless they have been prescribed for you by a doctor. To do otherwise is idiocy.

Ann

[loopey1221]

Thank you Anne.

I had the Rapid test 24 hours after exposure. If I had a viral load - then, would the Rapid Test have picked it up then? I thought it only can tell you hiv status for 3 months prior.

Additionally, I assumed that there was a minimum 2 days + to seroconvert.

If I knew that, I would have never taken the meds. (Hence listen to the dr!)

I will schedule another rapid test on Monday to see the result then discontinue if that is the case.

Thank you again for all your help!

[RapidRod]

   Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

[Andy Velez]

Go ahead and waste your money and resources if you want to. It seems as if you aren't really listening or accepting when you are told that you didn't have a risk and testing is totally unnecessary.

There's really nothing more for us to comment about your situation. 

[loopey1221]

Thank you all for your responses.

I sincerely appreciate your comments.

I think all the people who ask questions go through some sort of cognitive dissonance. I can only imagine when the same question has been posed 16 different ways with the same answer. I'm sure you've seen that way too many times. In my case, I haven't - which is why I have been inquisitive. If I've offended - I sincerely apologize.

With that said, I accept all you've said - and appreciate your answers.

Thank you!
Have a great weekend!
Loopey out