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Can HIV Be Contracted Through Vaginal Fluid?
Question: Hello and thank you for reviewing my questions,
Situation:
I had a lap dance at a strip club on 8/25/2015 where the dancer was completely nude and I was clothed (jeans and mesh briefs for underwear). She was grinding on me pretty rough for ~8 minutes and I feel as if during the course of the dance the tip of my penis might have been exposed and could have come into contact with the vaginal fluids of the dancer. After the dance, I touched the outside of my jeans and underwear to see if the dancer had left any fluids on me, which felt dry. Then, without washing my hands I inspected my penis and touched the opening of my penis (not sure if fluid transferred from this). During the dance I am not aware that my penis penetrated the dancer’s vagina and I did not touch the dancers’ vagina or anal opening with my fingers. I am ultimately worried about the rough grinding and potential contact on my penis tip, and also touching my own penis after the dance was done.
I am married and confessed the incident to my wife and she forgave me. Since this incident, my wife and I have had 5 sexual encounters with each other. I have performed oral sex on her and I have manually stimulated her with my fingers (not sure if any fluids transferred on my hands to her as I touched my penis prior to stimulating her). She has manually stimulated me and licked her hand to create lubrication while stimulating me. This is the extent of our sexual contact with one another.
Symptoms:
During the course of the last 5 months I have experienced diarrhea on and off, burning in my feet, hands and arms, pain in one of my left elbow joints, pain in my knee joints (behind the knees), a persistent neck rash (very mild), persistent rashy skin on my testicles, 5-6 mild night sweats (not drenched), and nail discoloration (white with red lines…Terry’s Nails I believe), a scalloped tongue (I do have hypothyroidism), some weight loss over the last 2 weeks, and I am also very tired and lethargic. My wife who has HLA B27 has experienced diarrhea for 2 straight months now and she was still nursing (not sure if wife’s milk supply was still active) our 3 year old. My wife stopped nursing our daughter in late December. Our 3 year old is now getting ear infections and is very irritable lately. She also had a rash on her torso during a vacation we took in late Oct/early Nov. My wife attributed this to the pool chlorine. My biggest fear is if I have something (HIV or other STD) I gave it to them. My wife has gone to her doctor who did an IBS panel on her and it all came out negative, but no HIV test was done. My wife refuses to get tested as she said my tests below prove I am “fine”.
Testing (4 different tests):
After the lap dance incident, I have been tested 4 times; 3 times through STDtestexpress.com and once at my doctor’s office. The test dates and what they were for are outlined below.
On 9/8/2015 2 weeks post exposure (stdexpress.com testing) - I had an 8 panel test done for Hep B, Hep C, HSV 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV 1 and 2 via a 4th generation and also had a RNA QL TMA test done. All came back negative (non-reactive or not detected).
On 10/6/2015 6 weeks post exposure (stdtestexpress.com testing) – I had the same 8 panel test but this time did not have the RNA QL TMA test done, just the 4th generation. Again, all came back negative (non-reactive or not detected).
On 12/15/2015 16 weeks post exposure (stdtestexpress.com testing) – I had the 8 panel test done with both the 4th generation and RNA QL TMA test. Again, all came back negative (non-reactive or not detected).
On 1/25/2016 22 weeks post exposure (doctor’s office testing) – my doctor tested for diabetes, chlamydia, stool sample test, thyroid panel, and HIV test (not sure what type was used). I have been told over the phone that the tests are “normal” and I have an in office appointment to talk through the results with him this Friday. He also felt my neck, armpits, elbows, and knee and said no lymph node swelling that he could feel. Said my knee pain was probably from a Baker cyst as it looks like I had fluid sac behind knee.
Questions:
1) From the lap dance incident, am I at a high risk of exposure?
2) From what I described of the sexual interaction between me and my wife (performing oral sex on her and potential pre-cum fluid on hand when stimulating her), if I was infected could I have passed on the HIV virus to my wife and, just as importantly, could she have passed it on to our daughter through nursing (again not sure if wife’s milk supply was dried up)?
3) After 22 weeks (5 ½ months), can I believe my test results for HIV are conclusive?
4) What other ailments could I be suffering from per the symptoms I listed?
Situation:
I had a lap dance at a strip club on 8/25/2015 where the dancer was completely nude and I was clothed (jeans and mesh briefs for underwear). She was grinding on me pretty rough for ~8 minutes and I feel as if during the course of the dance the tip of my penis might have been exposed and could have come into contact with the vaginal fluids of the dancer. After the dance, I touched the outside of my jeans and underwear to see if the dancer had left any fluids on me, which felt dry. Then, without washing my hands I inspected my penis and touched the opening of my penis (not sure if fluid transferred from this). During the dance I am not aware that my penis penetrated the dancer’s vagina and I did not touch the dancers’ vagina or anal opening with my fingers. I am ultimately worried about the rough grinding and potential contact on my penis tip, and also touching my own penis after the dance was done.
I am married and confessed the incident to my wife and she forgave me. Since this incident, my wife and I have had 5 sexual encounters with each other. I have performed oral sex on her and I have manually stimulated her with my fingers (not sure if any fluids transferred on my hands to her as I touched my penis prior to stimulating her). She has manually stimulated me and licked her hand to create lubrication while stimulating me. This is the extent of our sexual contact with one another.
Symptoms:
During the course of the last 5 months I have experienced diarrhea on and off, burning in my feet, hands and arms, pain in one of my left elbow joints, pain in my knee joints (behind the knees), a persistent neck rash (very mild), persistent rashy skin on my testicles, 5-6 mild night sweats (not drenched), and nail discoloration (white with red lines…Terry’s Nails I believe), a scalloped tongue (I do have hypothyroidism), some weight loss over the last 2 weeks, and I am also very tired and lethargic. My wife who has HLA B27 has experienced diarrhea for 2 straight months now and she was still nursing (not sure if wife’s milk supply was still active) our 3 year old. My wife stopped nursing our daughter in late December. Our 3 year old is now getting ear infections and is very irritable lately. She also had a rash on her torso during a vacation we took in late Oct/early Nov. My wife attributed this to the pool chlorine. My biggest fear is if I have something (HIV or other STD) I gave it to them. My wife has gone to her doctor who did an IBS panel on her and it all came out negative, but no HIV test was done. My wife refuses to get tested as she said my tests below prove I am “fine”.
Testing (4 different tests):
After the lap dance incident, I have been tested 4 times; 3 times through STDtestexpress.com and once at my doctor’s office. The test dates and what they were for are outlined below.
On 9/8/2015 2 weeks post exposure (stdexpress.com testing) - I had an 8 panel test done for Hep B, Hep C, HSV 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV 1 and 2 via a 4th generation and also had a RNA QL TMA test done. All came back negative (non-reactive or not detected).
On 10/6/2015 6 weeks post exposure (stdtestexpress.com testing) – I had the same 8 panel test but this time did not have the RNA QL TMA test done, just the 4th generation. Again, all came back negative (non-reactive or not detected).
On 12/15/2015 16 weeks post exposure (stdtestexpress.com testing) – I had the 8 panel test done with both the 4th generation and RNA QL TMA test. Again, all came back negative (non-reactive or not detected).
On 1/25/2016 22 weeks post exposure (doctor’s office testing) – my doctor tested for diabetes, chlamydia, stool sample test, thyroid panel, and HIV test (not sure what type was used). I have been told over the phone that the tests are “normal” and I have an in office appointment to talk through the results with him this Friday. He also felt my neck, armpits, elbows, and knee and said no lymph node swelling that he could feel. Said my knee pain was probably from a Baker cyst as it looks like I had fluid sac behind knee.
Questions:
1) From the lap dance incident, am I at a high risk of exposure?
2) From what I described of the sexual interaction between me and my wife (performing oral sex on her and potential pre-cum fluid on hand when stimulating her), if I was infected could I have passed on the HIV virus to my wife and, just as importantly, could she have passed it on to our daughter through nursing (again not sure if wife’s milk supply was dried up)?
3) After 22 weeks (5 ½ months), can I believe my test results for HIV are conclusive?
4) What other ailments could I be suffering from per the symptoms I listed?
Brief Answer:
No need to worry at all as you are absolutely safe and free from HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
From the lap incident what you had described, the risk is not there because your penis didn't come in direct contact with the dancer's vaginal fluid and you are also not sure whether she was HIV positive or not so be calm and relaxed.
You had tested with 8 panel tests including 4th generation HIV test at 2, 6, 16 and 22 weeks and all came back negative or non-reactive then there is no possibility that you are infected and have passed the virus to your wife or daughter so again don't get so much worried or tensed about that.
The test result for HIV after 22 weeks are 100% reliable and conclusive because the window period for HIV is also from 15 days to 3 months so you can trust these results for sure and you are absolutely free or safe from HIV. The STD test results are negative so nothing to worry for STDs also.
The burning in hands and feet along with tiredness and lethargy can be due to vitamin deficiency for which you can take multivitamin tablets along with protein powder. For knee and elbow pain take some pain killer as and when required. Do hot water fomentation over the same site to get some relief.
Consult your local physician and go for some other blood investigations to rule out the cause and take treatment as per the advice. Forget about the incident and avoid unnecessary stress or tension as it is also not good for your health. Be relaxed and Move ahead in life with your family happily.
As your friend I will advice you to be in monogamous relationship and stay away from such unsafe practices to prevent the future risk of HIV and other STDs. If need any help directly write to me and I will help you straight way. Take proper rest to make your self comfortable. Wishing you happy and healthy life ahead.
Thank You
No need to worry at all as you are absolutely safe and free from HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome to HCM.
From the lap incident what you had described, the risk is not there because your penis didn't come in direct contact with the dancer's vaginal fluid and you are also not sure whether she was HIV positive or not so be calm and relaxed.
You had tested with 8 panel tests including 4th generation HIV test at 2, 6, 16 and 22 weeks and all came back negative or non-reactive then there is no possibility that you are infected and have passed the virus to your wife or daughter so again don't get so much worried or tensed about that.
The test result for HIV after 22 weeks are 100% reliable and conclusive because the window period for HIV is also from 15 days to 3 months so you can trust these results for sure and you are absolutely free or safe from HIV. The STD test results are negative so nothing to worry for STDs also.
The burning in hands and feet along with tiredness and lethargy can be due to vitamin deficiency for which you can take multivitamin tablets along with protein powder. For knee and elbow pain take some pain killer as and when required. Do hot water fomentation over the same site to get some relief.
Consult your local physician and go for some other blood investigations to rule out the cause and take treatment as per the advice. Forget about the incident and avoid unnecessary stress or tension as it is also not good for your health. Be relaxed and Move ahead in life with your family happily.
As your friend I will advice you to be in monogamous relationship and stay away from such unsafe practices to prevent the future risk of HIV and other STDs. If need any help directly write to me and I will help you straight way. Take proper rest to make your self comfortable. Wishing you happy and healthy life ahead.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hi Dr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for the response. As I indicated in my post, I believe the tip of my penis was exposed at various times during the dance and it could have made contact with vaginal fluids. I did not penetrate the vagina but as she rubbed vigorously on me, the tip was at the top of my underwear band and could have got fluid on it.
3 follow-up questions:
1) If it is not penetrative (so no exposure to cervical fluid) would I still be at risk?
2) What are some other things that could be causing the Terry's Nails and other symptoms? Anything you have seen in the past?
3) Have you heard of stdtestexpress.com and would the results be reliable?
Thanks!
Thanks for the response. As I indicated in my post, I believe the tip of my penis was exposed at various times during the dance and it could have made contact with vaginal fluids. I did not penetrate the vagina but as she rubbed vigorously on me, the tip was at the top of my underwear band and could have got fluid on it.
3 follow-up questions:
1) If it is not penetrative (so no exposure to cervical fluid) would I still be at risk?
2) What are some other things that could be causing the Terry's Nails and other symptoms? Anything you have seen in the past?
3) Have you heard of stdtestexpress.com and would the results be reliable?
Thanks!
Brief Answer:
You are not at risk of getting HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow-up.
If the act is not penetrative then the risk is very less. The Terry's Nails are usually seen in liver failure, also in kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and malnutrition.
I have heard about stdtestexpress.com I can say the results would be reliable and conclusive so don't bother too much. Avoid taking excessive tension and move on in life happily with your wife and daughter. For any help directly write to me and I am always here to help you straight way,
regards
Thank You
You are not at risk of getting HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow-up.
If the act is not penetrative then the risk is very less. The Terry's Nails are usually seen in liver failure, also in kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism and malnutrition.
I have heard about stdtestexpress.com I can say the results would be reliable and conclusive so don't bother too much. Avoid taking excessive tension and move on in life happily with your wife and daughter. For any help directly write to me and I am always here to help you straight way,
regards
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
So I am having major issues over the last few days...losing weight rapidly, Terry's nails still apparent, scalloped tongue still apparent. I really think now it is a late stage HIV case from what I read (liver disease). I only had one other questionable time about 3 years ago I was drinking with some friends at a stripclub and I blacked out for about 2 hours, so I am not sure what happened or what I did.
My question is...if this is late stage HIV that I am experiencing from an encounter a few years ago, would the RNA HIV QL TMA (Gen Probe) test have detected the viral load at such a late stage of progression?
My question is...if this is late stage HIV that I am experiencing from an encounter a few years ago, would the RNA HIV QL TMA (Gen Probe) test have detected the viral load at such a late stage of progression?
Brief Answer:
If it is HIV than RNA QL will definitely detect the viral load at any stage
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
If you are infected with HIV than RNA QL TMA will definitely detect the viral load at any stage of infection so don't get worried or anxious. The test result at 22 weeks is already negative but still for your mental satisfaction I will advice for repeat test with 4th generation HIV Duos which will clear all your doubts.
As far as rapid weight loss is concerned, consult your local physician and go for some other investigations to isolate the cause because there are many diseases in which weight loss is occurring apart from HIV or it can be due to over stress or tension what you are taking as it also affects your health significantly.
I will also recommend for counselling sessions which will help to make your self comfortable and relaxed. Don't think so much and get tested again, the result will definitely come in your favor. For any help I am available here any time. Wishing you and your family happy and healthy life forever.
Thank You
If it is HIV than RNA QL will definitely detect the viral load at any stage
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
If you are infected with HIV than RNA QL TMA will definitely detect the viral load at any stage of infection so don't get worried or anxious. The test result at 22 weeks is already negative but still for your mental satisfaction I will advice for repeat test with 4th generation HIV Duos which will clear all your doubts.
As far as rapid weight loss is concerned, consult your local physician and go for some other investigations to isolate the cause because there are many diseases in which weight loss is occurring apart from HIV or it can be due to over stress or tension what you are taking as it also affects your health significantly.
I will also recommend for counselling sessions which will help to make your self comfortable and relaxed. Don't think so much and get tested again, the result will definitely come in your favor. For any help I am available here any time. Wishing you and your family happy and healthy life forever.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hi Doctor...a few more follow-up questions...
1) My wife has given blood every year for the last 10 years through the XXXXXXX Red Cross. She has Anklyosing Spondylitis and I have read some of these people are super controllers of the HIV virus and can make the viral load undetectable and slow down progression of AIDS. Is this a true case?
2) I have 3 kids (9, 8, and 3) and if I would have infected them years ago, what would be tell tale signs of HIV infections in the kids?
1) My wife has given blood every year for the last 10 years through the XXXXXXX Red Cross. She has Anklyosing Spondylitis and I have read some of these people are super controllers of the HIV virus and can make the viral load undetectable and slow down progression of AIDS. Is this a true case?
2) I have 3 kids (9, 8, and 3) and if I would have infected them years ago, what would be tell tale signs of HIV infections in the kids?
Brief Answer:
The best way to confirm is to get tested for HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
The blood donation and ankylosing spondylitis are not associated with HIV and the XXXXXXX Red Cross is very reputed institute so don't worry.
The best way to confirm whether your wife was HIV positive or not is to get tested which will clear all your doubts and give mental satisfaction.
The symptoms of HIV infection in children are also similar to adults like continous fever for more than one month, chronic diarrhea, unexpected weight loss, chronic cough, repeated infections and so on.
Don't think too much and avoid extreme stress as you are absolutely risk free because all your test results are negative. Be relaxed and move on in life
Thank You
The best way to confirm is to get tested for HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
The blood donation and ankylosing spondylitis are not associated with HIV and the XXXXXXX Red Cross is very reputed institute so don't worry.
The best way to confirm whether your wife was HIV positive or not is to get tested which will clear all your doubts and give mental satisfaction.
The symptoms of HIV infection in children are also similar to adults like continous fever for more than one month, chronic diarrhea, unexpected weight loss, chronic cough, repeated infections and so on.
Don't think too much and avoid extreme stress as you are absolutely risk free because all your test results are negative. Be relaxed and move on in life
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Hi Doctor Jangid,
If someone has full blown hiv/253657?iL=true" >AIDS, can the HIV tests still detect antibodies to HIV and the RNA? Or are these tests of no use once someone has AIDS?
Thanks
If someone has full blown hiv/253657?iL=true" >AIDS, can the HIV tests still detect antibodies to HIV and the RNA? Or are these tests of no use once someone has AIDS?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
In hiv/253657?iL=true" >AIDS patient, HIV tests will definitely detect the presence of antibody.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up
Even after development of full blown AIDS, HIV tests will definitely going to detect either antibody or antigen against HIV up-to lifetime so don't worry as you are risk free.
If still any query left, ask me any time and I will be happy to answer.
Thank You
In hiv/253657?iL=true" >AIDS patient, HIV tests will definitely detect the presence of antibody.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up
Even after development of full blown AIDS, HIV tests will definitely going to detect either antibody or antigen against HIV up-to lifetime so don't worry as you are risk free.
If still any query left, ask me any time and I will be happy to answer.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
So I have brown spots developing on my body and face. Would this be the first step in Kaposi Sarcoma?
Brief Answer:
It is not due to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
As you are risk free from HIV, the brown spots developing on your body and face are not related to HIV. They might be due to some other skin infection or allergy. Consult dermatologist for further management and don't worry so much. You can get back to me any time if still any doubt left. I will be happy to answer you.
Thank You
It is not due to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Welcome back once again.
As you are risk free from HIV, the brown spots developing on your body and face are not related to HIV. They might be due to some other skin infection or allergy. Consult dermatologist for further management and don't worry so much. You can get back to me any time if still any doubt left. I will be happy to answer you.
Thank You
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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