Scared Student Nurse

[scared0831]

  Over the summer I made a stupid  mistake that I am now worried about.  I had a one time unprotected vaginal sex encounter that lasted for a couple of hours.  My partner is someone I did not know well, is African American, claims to be strictly heterosexual, and I believe a non-drug user (he works in drug enforcement).  He said he had been tested 10 months earlier.  My concerns are: 1. Since that night I have found out that he has alot of partners.  2.  I bled during sex (I had ended my period a few days earlier so I don't know if it was residual blood or if I tore). 3.  A couple of months afterwards I was diagnosed with hpv and am concerned that I acquired it that night and may have an increased risk of hiv.  4.  2-3 weeks after sex I had a few days of bad neck ache that has continued on and off to this day and I can palpate a couple of lymph nodes in my neck around 1cm or slightly less in size.
  I am now suppose to be applying for my nursing license.  On the application it asks if you have any medical conditions and lists several, including hiv.  It states that in some situations a license may not be granted.  
  I am in my mid forties and have only had five parnters in my life.  Three of which I was with no more than three times each.  I had condoms on the night in question and we did start out using them.  I don't know how I could have been so stupid not to continue using them during the two hours.
  I have spent the summer reading your site and want you to know how much I appreciate all that you do.  I hope that my lack of good judgement will not result in a positive hiv test and/or an end to the opportunity to help people as a nurse.
  Any thoughts you could give me concerning my risk and situation would be greatly appreciated.

  Any thoughts about my risk that you could give me before I test would be greatly appreciated.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your chances of having HIV are very, very low.  I would assume that you partner was telling the truth and if so, chances of his having gotten HIV in the 10 months since he was last tested are very low.  Most people tell the truth about such matters.

Even in the VERY unlikely situation that he had HIV, you risk remains low.  The chances of HIV transmission occurring on a single episode of sexual intercourse is, on average, less than 1 in 1000 exposures.  This average figure does include persons who might have experienced some bleeding during sex.

HPV does not change your risk for HIV either.

Finally, and most important for your concerns,  you would not be denied a license to practice nursing even if you had HIV.  To do so would be illegal under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Having said that you have little to worry about, it is also clear to me that this is on your mind.  As a result, I would suggest that you go on an get an HIV test.  The test will be negative and when you get that result, hopefully that will provide you with peace of mind.

Hope this helps.  EWH
p.s.  Regarding the swollen nodes in your neck, they may well be normal.  they are not due to HIV. EWH

[scared0831]

    Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.  You are right, this is on my mind continually.  I feel better after reading your response and am especially encouraged about being able to practice as a nurse.  I have wanted to be a nurse since I was a teenager and am just four weeks away from completing my final semester.
    I will definitely have an HIV test, and will always be sure to practice safe sex.  Maybe my experience will make me more mindful of encouraging my future patients to be safe as well.