QUESTION
My male partner is HIV+. We generally practice safe sex, but I have occasionally allowed him to penetrate me without a condom. He withdraws before climax. How risky is this behavior? I get tested every 3-6 months for STDs, and have not tested positive so far.

ANSWER
Dipping, or being penetrated or penetrating without ejaculation is a fairly common practice. HIV has been found in pre-cum but no studies have actually been done to quantify the risk of exposure to pre-cum. We know that pre-cum is associated with pregnancy and the spread of STDs like gonorrhea or chlamydia. Most prevention professionals would advise against dipping as it is not a safer sex practice.

See a similar question: http://sfcityclinic.org/drk/hivaids18.asp.

Getting tested every 3 months is important—testing should occur at multiple sites of exposure (throat, butt, etc.) and should include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV. It’s your call what risks you take. Be informed!

To your health,
Dr. K