Help..advise needed and possible exposure

[dario171]

Hi,

I need the experts advise on possible HIV exposure at my end. Between May 2021-Fwb 2022, I had 10 sexual vaginal intercourse with 7 different escorts. All vaginal intercourse were protected (I used durex extra safe each time) and I had one incident of unprotected oral.I dont think the condom broke or slipped during any of the intercourse, as I believe I would have known otherwise or felt different. I did checked for semen drip most time and I understand its quite hard for condom to break. I am getting quite anxious over past couple of months? Should i do a test and will the test be fine? I am trying to find the courage to just do the test but I am scared. Generally my health have been quite good, despite having had 2 covid infection past 6 months. Wife though have been having dry cough past 3 weeks and this adds to my anxiety

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

So you received a blowjob and had intercourse with ten sex workers.

Receiving a blowjob lacks the conditions required for acquiring HIV; thus, it makes sense that after nearly 40 years of this pandemic in terms of BJs, there hasn't been a single documented case of HIV transmission to an insertive partner (the person being "sucked"), and you will not be the worlds first.

As for intercourse, HIV can't transmit through an intact latex or polyurethane condom. Unless a condom obviously fails during intercourse, there is no reason to be stressing or testing for HIV outside of the standard yearly routine.

Wife

I'll mention the same thing whenever anyone mentions being in a relationship.

If you engage in condomless sex with your partner, you are obviously at risk of acquiring HIV. In relationships, condomless sex is often based on trust or past test results; however, this does not prevent HIV, so if condomless sex does occur, you should consider testing more frequently.

I am trying to find the courage to just do the test

As you are sexually active you really should be getting STI & HIV screening at least yearly. It sounds like you haven't been doing this, good time to start. 

Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV

Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.

Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.

Kind regards

Jim

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[dario171]

Thank you Jim. I plan to take up the courage and have a rapid test done next week. Please wish me well and I will provide an update on my test status. Hope it will be negative and I can move forward with my life. Thank you

[Jim Allen]

Hiya.

You're welcome, but there is no need to post your results.

Recommend you skip the rapid test. Instead if you haven't been testing regularly then go to a clinc and get an STI screening +HIV test and going forward do so at least yearly out of routine.

Best Jim

[dario171]

Thanks Jim. The reason for wanting to do a rapid test is because its anoymous test set up and NGO uses a 3rd gen rapid test kit (hiv 1/2). Is it less accurate than getting an STi screening +Hiv test at a clinic, post 8 months after last intercourse? I have done STI screening minus Hiv test previously.

[Jim Allen]

post 8 months after last intercourse?

You had no HIV exposure from the encounters with the sex workers 8 months ago. To be clear I'm not going to pretend you did or that you need any HIV testing test over that.

However, that wasn't when you last had intercourse, and you have had STI risks,  Hence the advice to skip the rapid test and instead get a full STI screening, including HIV testing.