Question:

I recently had sex with a post-op transexual. She had a sex change surgery. We had unprotected sex. Vaginal only, not anal. I was wondering if the risk of transmitting HIV or other STDs is higher or lower in this scenerio. It happened two weeks ago. Also, how long should I wait before I get tested? There are no symptoms of anything currently.

Answer provided by:

Octavio Vallejo, M.D., MPH
Faculty, UCLA Pacific AIDS Education and Training Center

Dear well concerned,
The risk of HIV infection in this scenario is not well described in the medical literature, however, knowing the nature of the trans-surgery process, I can assume that the risk of HIV infection is minimal since there is not mucosal tissue involved in the sexual intercourse like in women, where HIV reservoirs are located in the cervix and vaginal mucosal tissue. Thus, your risk is minimal. For your peace of mind, I would suggest to have a HIV test at list 4 weeks after the sexual encounter and go through the counseling process and the counselor will provide more information about the magnitude of the risk. A recommendation for the future: please keep in mind that safe sex is the one that will never give this feelings of uncertaninty and guilt.

Keep yourself safe.

080513
ASKD080503

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