HIV risk from brief exposure

[ellevee20]

Hello, I recently started having sex with a new partner and we always use condoms. The last time we had sex, he took off the condom and inserted his penis into my vagina without protection and completed two strokes before I even realized and made him stop. He did not ejaculate at all. I am very scared cause I have always been very cautious and used condone and this is my only sexual partner but I do not know his status. Right now they are not doing any tests at local clinics and I know it is too early either way. I don’t know how concerned I should be at this point. Please advise.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

Firstly try not to panic, yes it was a risk but only briefly and, even when all the conditions are perfect HIV is very difficult to transmit.

That said this incident does warrant testing so when the clinics reopen simply test to know your HIV status, in the meantime try not to worry or focus on it.

When the clinics reopen test at 6 weeks post-exposure with a blood-drawn HIV antibodies test, a negative result at that time will rarely ever change, although, you can test for a definite result at 3 months post-exposure if you wish.

I do not know his status.

You never can know if someone is still negative, even if they had tested previously due to the window period on testing and that they could have had ongoing exposures, so keep on protecting yourself by practising safer sex.

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid HIV infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions.  Consider starting PrEP as an additional layer of HIV prevention going forward.

Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as safe in terms of HIV might still pose a risk for transmission of other far easier to acquire STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs

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

More information on HIV Basics, PEP, TaSP and Transmission can be found through the links in my signature.

Kind regards

Jim

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[ellevee20]

Hello, thank you for you reply. Do you think this warrants a prep medicine? I am worried sick and can’t believe I put myself in this position with someone I thought I knew 😢

[Jim Allen]

You're welcome.

Look it's a risk that warrants testing, PEP is normally for high-risk exposure.
All in all, I would expect you to be fine but test to confirm that.

It's up-to-you if you want to take PEP over this incident. If you do decide to take PEP the sooner the better preferably within 36 hours although, it's highly effective when started within 72 hours post-exposure.

Now with the clinics closed or limited at the moment so you might need to call to them first to see about PEP availability or check with the local ER (A&E) , however, services might be limited depending on how your region is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

If you do take PEP it's a course of meds for 28 days and you can test with a blood-drawn HIV antibodies test at 6 weeks post finishing the PEP course, a negative result will rarely at that time, however, if you wish you can retest for a definite result at 3 months post finishing PEP.