Hi Dr Bob - I am really looking for some stastics, hopefully to ease my mind until I can be tested. I am a female who was assaulted vaginally, without ejaculate, he lost his erection (I assume there was pre ejaculate present) Given that I know nothing about the mans history and the circumstances surrounding the event, I am assuming he was HIV positive, my mind will not let me think positive about this whole thing no matter how hard I try. 5 weeks after the incident I now have a sore lymph node under my chin. I went to the ER at about 60 hours and completed PEP meds prescribed to me but still have to wait another 7 weeks to be re-tested. Initial testing came back negative for STD's so I am hoping this is a good sign. I know you are always answering these freaked out questions but it would mean the world to me if you could give me some indication, statistically, of how at risk I am...... I really think I am going to go crazy waiting for the 12 week test point!!!

Please help me!!

Hi,

There is no estimated risk statistic for your unique situation; however, I can tell you your chances of acquiring HIV are extremely slight. The closest estimated per-act risk statistic would be for receptive penile-vaginal sex (with ejaculation) with a partner confirmed to be HIV positive. That estimated statistic is 10 per 10,000 exposures. Your risk would be less because we do not know the status of your attacker; there was no ejaculation; and you took PEP. At this point I would advise you have every reason for optimism.

Good luck.

Dr. Bob