Risk of Acquiring HIV

[freshlikethis]

hi guys, i had unprotected vaginal sex with a high - end CSW last two weeks ago and after a few days, i noticed two pimple - like bumps on the shaft near the base of my penis (in between hair follicles).

could that be pimples only or herpes or syphilis? the pimples were on my estimation, 2 - 3 cm apart. i've tried researching the internet and it did not resemble herpes or syphilis.

do you think there is a need for me to undergo hiv testing?

btw, the woman assured me that she regularly has a monthly check up with her doctor.

hope you'd understand my english. thank you.

[Ann]

Fresh,

Anytime you have unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, you are putting yourself at risk for hiv and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I don't care how much you pay for a sex worker or if you're having sex with someone you met in a bar or a coworker or a neighbour. You're putting yourself - and your life and health - at risk.

You have had a risk for hiv infection and you do need to test. The earliest you should test is at six weeks.

The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six weeks, with the average time to seroconversion being only 22 days.

A six week negative must be confirmed at the three month point, but is highly unlikely to change.

The bumps on your penis need to be looked at by a doctor. We cannot diagnose your bumps here and you also cannot diagnose yourself by comparing them to photos on the internet. It could be syphilis, herpes or pimples, but only a doctor can tell you which it is.

You really need to learn from this and stop having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse - with anyone.

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

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.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

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.

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

Ann

[freshlikethis]

thanks Ms. Ann. how long would it take for the symptoms to subside? i noticed that one bump is already gone and the other bump is getting smaller.

[Andy Velez]

We cannot diagnose symptoms here. You need to discuss those "bumps" with your doctor.

They are not in any way HIV specific.