HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Understanding Your Chances

Question
Hello Mia,

I am very desperate and having a difficult time finding clear answers on the net.

I did an unbelievably idiotic thing...I was in Singapore last week and was very drunk and actually had unprotected sex with a prostitute....so, so stupid...

I was hoping that you had some information on the approximate "odds" of contracting HIV from someone in such a high risk group. I didn't notice any scratches on my penis, or any other mark that was an open wound.

By the way, I think that she had another STD as I am starting to get some burning sensation when urinating. I understand that could increase the HIV risk. I will get treatment for this soon...

I am now in China for another week of business, but plan to get tested as soon as I get back. In the meantime, I'm lucky if I sleep 2 hrs a night from the worry.

Any help you could provide would be very appreciated. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Mike,

Prostitutes are in a high risk group for AIDS so that does place you at risk. I tried searching for some exact numbers for this group but have not found any good statistics yet for that country.

However, studies have shown that female transmission to males is less likely (and possibly much less likely) than male transmission to females. Also, having no cuts/sores is helpful.

For other STDs, chlamydia and gonorrhea are the ones most associated with burning during urination. Both can be treated with antibiotics to cure the infection.

I encourage you to call a national AIDS crisis hotline. The CDC has one at 1-800-342-AIDS. Or you can call the one associated with your home state: http://www.aids.org/info/hotlines.html

All are confidential and most are open 24 hours a day. They will be able to answer any questions, give you info on where to get tested, and calm your fears and worry.

The internet has a lot of info on HIV/AIDS but it can be overwhelming and you don't always know who to trust. I trust that the CDC and crisis hotlines have accurate info so please give them a call.

I hope this is helpful. If you have further questions please let me know.

-Mia