QUESTION
I recently had anal sex. My partner penetrated me. He couldn’t go all the way in as it was our first time. He ejaculated outside of me and I’m scared I might have HIV. What are the possibilities? He claims he is HIV-negative.

ANSWER
It is impossible for me to make a diagnosis without examining you. The massage you had was very low risk for HIV. But a syphilis sore can be passed to another person without having anal or oral sex through skin contact with a contagious lesion. That said, what you're describing may or may not be syphilis. The painful bumps you noticed could also be caused by normal skin bacteria like staph causing a small abscess or sore, or numerous other non-sexually related things. The only way to know for sure is to get a check-up and get tested.

You’re right that depending on what a partner says may not always be the best way to reduce your risk of getting HIV. He may be infected and not know it or may not be completely comfortable telling the truth. Even if he is, in fact, HIV-negative, you can get other STDs like herpes, gonorrhea, Chlamydia or syphilis from unprotected sex.

HIV is spread through blood, vaginal or rectal secretions, breast milk, and semen. The fact that your partner came outside your body, greatly reduces the risk that you were exposed. But again, other STDs can be spread without ejaculation.

The only way for you to find out if you are HIV-infected and perhaps get a piece of mind is to get tested. So head over to City Clinic or your local health care provider. And remember to use condoms,—the risk of spreading or contracting STDs is greatly reduced with consistent condom use.

To your health,
Dr. K