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Conditions and Diseases > HIV and AIDS Forum > My Mind Needs Some Easing..
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Q: My Mind Needs Some Easing..
asked by: cc84 on March 8th, 2006
New User
I have been worried sick about some of my risky behaviour as of late, and one of my biggest concerns is contracting hiv. I would like to mention at this point that I have been in for a pap test, hiv testing and std testing. I havent recieved my results yet, but I am terrified to find out if there is actually anything to stress about.

I want to start out by saying that I have always been very careful with new partners, and always use condoms. In the past few months I have started dosing ecstacy about once every 1 or 2 weeks, I dont know if this has any significance as far as contracting hiv is concerned, but it certainly impairs my judgement. This is a large reason why I am quitting, as well as overall concern for my own well being. The first instance was with a man I had met at a bar, we had engaged in vaginal sex and the condom broke, and he had unknowingly ejaculated in me. I know nothing about this man, his sexual history or otherwise. He has assured me he is regularily tested and is clean (how I hope thats true!). The most recent guy I slept with has admitted to me that he has had a promiscuous past, he had 56 partners before me, however, he assures me as well that he has been tested and is clean. We engaged in vaginal sex twice without a condom, however he pulled out before ejaculating both times. I feel stupid and terrible for my lack of judgement in these situations and I am trying desperately to clean up my act. Ive just been living with this constant rock in my chest knowing these men could have very well been infected with hiv, if not some other std's. I dont seem to have any sort of weird symptoms so im feeling somewhat confident....But what are my chances of contracting hiv from these guys!!??

Any input would be so greatly appreciated.
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Finess150
replied on March 9th, 2006
Experienced User
Risks
Ecstacy certainly impairs judgment, and I would suggest not taking it. Since you had unprotected sex, this does place you at risk. Unprotected vaginal intercourse with an hiv person carries approx. 1% to 3% risk per episode depending on specific circumstances.

Make sure that you have a test at least three months after your last unprotected encounter, for a definitive result. Try not to worry, you are more likely to be negative than not.

Good luck and best wishes.
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cc84
replied on March 10th, 2006
New User
And this 1-3%...Is that with an infected person or my chances of having sex with an infected person? In all honesty, disregard my fear and anxiousness...How easy is it to actually contract hiv?

Also, thanks for answering!! :)
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Finess150
replied on March 10th, 2006
Experienced User
Rough Figures
The risk factor balances out at around 1 to 3% risk per episode, in general terms. You may find figures which are lower or higher. Nonetheless, the fact is that hiv is not so easy to contract. The reason it spreads is because people tend to have a lot of sex, and eventually beat the odds and become infected.
Hiv is fragile, and it needs perfect conditions within the body to actually function. Exposure to air destroys its proteins and makes it inviable.
Chances of infection are also dependant on the viral load of the positive partner. The greater concentration of virus particles within the body means more oppurtunity for infection.

But this is irrelevant. There is no use whatsoever in speculating on your individual circumstances. If you had unprotected sex with these people, test after three months for a conclusive result.
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cc84
replied on March 11th, 2006
New User
Thats interesting and relieving to know. I remember back in high school when they made it sound like all you had to do was have sex with an infected person one time and you would catch it without a doubt. Its comforting to know its a difficult virus to catch, but certainly not an excuse to keep risking myself. Thanks so much for your help!!
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kiklis2k
replied on March 13th, 2006
Experienced User
Doubts Can Make It Worse
Its better for you to clear your doubts with your test results and that could relieve you much. Though your sexual history is known, your partners could have been prone due to their risk behaviour.

Hiv can infect the first time, and it can never infect a person even after 100 partners. No one can judge it based on percentages. However research has given some values based on specimens which need not be true always. It depends on the persons immunity level. Also, people who have other infections like hep or std are prone to get infected in their risk behaviour. The best solution is to get tested and live a clean life after that.
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