Risk of HIV infection after shaving pubic area...

[joejoe]

I am worried. I was in NYCity and had sex with a sex trade worker. It was protected sex- initially oral then vaginal.

What I am worried about is about 40 hours prior I had shaved the majority of my pubic hairs around my penis and noticed after protected sex that the shaved area was very raw and had some open sores. After the sex I had washed my genital area with a shower (was this a mistake as now i found out moisture only helps the transmission).

Can someone please give me an honest answer and reply as to my potential risks. Suppose HIV infected vaginal fluid covered the area- what are my risks? ANYONE that knows HIV/Aids please reply. Also, what other STDs would I be at high risk of getting?

[Dr. Joshua]

Thanks for your question, JoeJoe. My estimate is that you have a low risk of HIV infection by the mechanism you described. HIV is usually transmitted by direct sexual contact or blood contact. While not impossible, it's uncommon for the virus to be transmitted by other routes, such as splashes on unintact skin. For comparison, needlestick injury carries only about 3/1000 risk of infection if the other party is infected with HIV.

The only way to be sure is to get tested immediately, then after 3 months and six months, or as your own doctor recommends. Meanwhile, refrain completely from unprotected sex. This way you will take a responsible approach and eliminate the possibility of infecting anyone else.

TheBody.com (http://TheBody.com) has a wide range of information on the subject.

[joejoe]

Thank you Doctor. I really appreciate your response.

It has been 3 and a half weeks. I was tested for a baseline 2 weeks ago which came back negative....however too early to tell. I am scheduled to test again in late July (the 6 week point). I trust the 6 week test is pretty conclusive?

The RN I talked with also said it would be uncommon even if there are breaks in the skin since HIV requires entry into the blood stream.

I just came out of a very long term relationship and this was the last thing I expected. I used a condom and that is what I am extremely grateful for (and I will continue to do so).....however, after the fact I remembered that I had just shaven my pubic area the night before AND noticed that it was raw and somewhat open......not to mention she was on top so it was possible for the vaginal fluids to contact my shaven area.....

I am terrible scared as you might imagine....so your words of encouragement mean alot.

[joejoe]

Dr. Joshua I have another question(s):

How long do I have to wait for signs of the other STIs? For example, how long before herpes appears.....gonherrea....syphalis etc. Again, what kind of protection does a condom provide for each of these (is it possible to get genital herpes on your arm or on my pubic area?

I am just about to go for my 6 week test (3 months). How conclusive is the 6 week test?

Thanks again. I am still scared to take the test.....but feel a whole lot better with your recommendation and low risk analysis. It makes it easier for me.