Sexually assaulted, now worried about STDs

**worriedandanxious** · 07-12-2011 01:53 PM

Two days ago I was sexually assaulted and I'm having a hard time coping. I'm terrified that I might have contracted an STD from this stranger. I was held down while he forced me to perform oral sex on him, but I was struggling enough that he did not fully ejaculate. He did penetrate me using his fingers and mouth as well. I know there is no way to truly answer this, but do I have a high risk of contracting HIV or other STDs because of this? I have never had intimate contact with anyone besides a person I know and trust, and I'm so embarrassed to post such ugly details. I know this is too much information and I apologize, but I really need advice on what to do. Based on my research it seems I have to wait months before I can be tested, and I don't know how I can handle this anxiety for that long. Can I go sooner? I'm so scared and this waiting is killing me.

**Lorelei** · 07-12-2011 02:03 PM

I would recommend going to your GYN now. If you have contracted something, or have a possibility, they will be able to catch it and treat it early. They may even be able to prevent whatever from occurring.

I was going to wait. But (fortunately for me) I got pregnant and because of that I went to my GYN, and that's how they found the CIN II cells on my cervix and we were able to handle everything before it became a problem that couldn't be fixed.

**chaya** · 07-12-2011 02:18 PM

You should go to your doctor ASAP. There are anti-retroviral medicines that you can take that may reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. If more than 72 hours (3 days) have passed since you were raped, it is too late for these medicines to reduce the risk of getting HIV from rape.

There are also antibiotic medicines to stop you from getting a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) and medicine that would prevent you from getting Hepatitis B from the rapist.

The "morning-after" pill can be taken to prevent you from becoming pregnant from the rape.

**collegegirl2010** · 07-12-2011 02:37 PM

I understand how you feel. I was assaulted a couple months back. but the sooner the better. I was so scared to go to the doctor that I threw off making the appointment for a couple of weeks. But when you get check out, it helps you to relax knowing whether you are infected or not. I hope my advice helped! And good luck at the doctor. I think you'll be fine, don't worry too much because it'll only make you feel worst about going to the doctor.

**CHANDLERS WISH** · 07-12-2011 03:28 PM

Firstly, please don't be embarrased, what for? You did nothing wrong and it's worse than ugly details, it's horrible that someone thinks that they can just go ahead and take what they want and it's horrible that you have even gone through any of this...

I personally would grab the clothes that you wore, find someone you feel comfortable with to tell, because you can not hold it all inside of yourself, okay... And, go down to the police so they can try to obtain something if possible by way of DNA, and then go to the hospital...

For your own self, you need to do this and for others out there that will be attacked by him in the near future, there is nothing to be embarrased about sweet...

No one likes a man like that, no one.....

**Beautiful Disaster** · 07-12-2011 04:14 PM

Thank you for coming here and sharing your story and your worries with us. As you'll see, things like this help other women to come out and share their experiences and worries too.

Seeing a doctor is very very important. As collegegirl and chaya have said, if nothing else, it will provide you some peace of mind so that you can focus on emotionally healing instead of worrying about your physical health. Though I strongly encourage reporting predators to the police, going to the doctor doesn't mean you HAVE to tell your story. The doctor doesn't have to know why you want to be tested. The doctor is just to ensure your health.

With that said, I totally agree with CW. It is important that we women stick together and watch out for each other. Getting a man like this off the streets is important. Please consider being the person who is willing to stand up and say "I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS! I'M GOING TO MAKE A CHANGE!". Don't be one that takes it and regrets it for the rest of your life.

I'm so sorry you went through such a horrible thing. Please feel free to talk with us ANYTIME. There is someone here literally 24/7.

**worriedandanxious** · 07-12-2011 04:38 PM

Thanks so much for your support. I hope soon I do have the courage to help seek out this terrible person, but I'm afraid I might have waited too long already. Mostly, I'm really just not ready to talk about it face-to-face with anyone yet. I know this is selfish of me, but I just can't handle it right now. I do want to visit the doctor soon, but I only have access to a Planned Parenthood center at the moment and they do not have any anti-retroviral medication available at that center. Only the morning-after pill, which I shouldn't need. I would like to go in when I can get some answers, and it seems like it is too soon to actually test for the diseases I am worried about. Does anyone know how likely I am to get STDs from this situation, or have any experience regarding oral contact and STDs? Some sites say that it is unlikely, and others say it is very likely to contract at least herpes this way.

Again thank you so much for your support, your kind words really do help.