Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Risk and Transmission

HIVRiskReport is a private, educational tool that estimates the statistical risk of HIV transmission from a single sexual encounter. It uses published epidemiological data from sources such as the CDC and peer-reviewed medical studies to translate multiple risk factors into one clear probability, shown as both a percentage and a “1 in X” figure.

This report does not diagnose HIV or predict individual outcomes, but it helps replace vague anxiety with realistic context and guidance on appropriate next steps, including testing when needed. For test timing, see HIV test window periods.

No. HIVRISKREPORT is an educational decision support tool, not a medical clinic. It does not diagnose HIV and it does not replace a test or a doctor. The HIV risk assessment is designed to help you understand your risk level, prepare better questions, and approach testing decisions in a calmer, more informed way.

If you need urgent help, such as possible PEP after a high risk exposure, you should contact a local emergency department or HIV clinic immediately. If you want a calm explainer, read PEP vs PrEP.

The tool is for anyone who has had a possible HIV exposure and now feels anxious, confused, or overwhelmed by conflicting information. It is especially useful if you:

• Keep searching for “HIV risk” articles but cannot tell how they apply to you.
• Are stuck between “I am definitely infected” and “maybe it is nothing”.
• Want a clear, numeric HIV transmission probability for your exact scenario.

For a deeper explanation of how probability reduces panic, see Why understanding HIV risk through probability brings clarity.

The HIV risk calculator combines three main components into a single HIV transmission probability estimate. If you want the full walkthrough, see HIV Risk Calculator Guide.

• Partner HIV likelihood: The engine estimates how likely your partner is to have HIV based on country level prevalence, gender, and, when relevant, risk group such as men who have sex with men.
• Per act transmission risk: It uses per act HIV transmission probabilities for the specific act you describe, for example receptive anal sex with or without a condom. It also factors in your role, condom integrity, ejaculation, and wounds or inflammation.
• Treatment and prevention context: It adjusts for country specific ART coverage and viral suppression, and for any PrEP use you report, mapped to known effectiveness levels based on adherence.

Treatment context matters because undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission. Learn more here: U=U and undetectable viral load.

You do not need your partner’s name or any identifying details. The HIV risk assessment form focuses on medical and behavioural information such as:

• Country and region where the encounter took place.
• Your gender and your partner’s gender.
• The type of sex and whether you were the insertive or receptive partner.
• Condom use and whether there was any break, slip, or removal.
• Any known HIV status, ART use, or PrEP use for you or your partner.
• The exact date of the encounter, for test timing guidance.

If you do not know something, you can choose an “I do not know” style option and the engine will use more cautious default assumptions.

The questionnaire usually takes five to ten minutes to complete. After payment, your personalised HIV risk report is typically generated in under thirty minutes and sent to the email address you provide, together with a secure download link for the encrypted PDF.

If you are looking for general education while you wait, these are the most used pages: window periods, symptoms vs fear, and PEP vs PrEP.

You receive a multi page HIV risk report in PDF format. It includes:

• A plain language summary of your scenario.
• A step by step explanation of the HIV risk calculator logic and the multipliers used.
• Your final HIV transmission probability as both a percentage and a “one in X” number.
• A breakdown of which factors reduced your risk and which factors increased it.
• Personalised HIV test timing guidance based on the date of exposure and test type.
• Contextual comparisons that help you put the number in perspective and move forward.

To understand how “1 in X” numbers work, see: probability brings clarity.

The HIV risk assessment engine is built on published HIV research and public health surveillance data. In particular it draws from:

• Per act HIV transmission probabilities from meta analyses in peer reviewed journals.
• Global and country level HIV prevalence and treatment data from organisations such as UNAIDS and the CDC.
• Studies on ART coverage, viral suppression rates, and real world PrEP effectiveness.

The report also explains how treatment changes infectiousness, see: U=U explained.

Many HIV articles use broad categories such as “high risk” or “low risk” and assume worst case conditions. The HIVRISKREPORT engine is more specific. It considers:

• Your country and the local HIV epidemic context.
• Your partner’s likely risk group, where relevant.
• The exact act type, your role, and condom status.
• Regional ART coverage and viral suppression rates.
• Any PrEP use that you report, including adherence pattern.

For additional context on prevention tools, see: PEP vs PrEP.

No. The HIV risk assessment does not require your full name. You can use a first name or an alias. The only mandatory detail is a working email address so that your HIV risk report can be delivered.

The form is designed to collect only the data needed to calculate HIV transmission probability and send your report. It does not ask for your partner’s name, contact details, or social media accounts. The focus is on behaviours and medical context.

If you want to understand how the report is used alongside medical care, see window periods and PEP vs PrEP.

Payments are handled by Stripe, a widely used payment provider. Your card details are processed by Stripe and are not stored on the HIVRISKREPORT website. We receive payment confirmation and basic billing information, not your full card number.

No. The HIVRISKREPORT engine can only estimate probability. It will never say that your risk is truly zero and it cannot confirm infection. Only an approved HIV test can tell you your actual status.

If you need guidance on when tests become reliable, see HIV test window periods.

A very low risk estimate suggests that infection from that specific encounter is unlikely, although not impossible. In most low risk scenarios your HIV risk report will still recommend testing for peace of mind and for routine sexual health care.

If symptoms are driving the spiral, read HIV symptoms, separating fact from fear.

A higher risk result is a strong signal that you should take testing and follow up seriously. Your HIV risk report will highlight prompt testing and provide calendar dates for reliable testing windows.

If you are within the PEP window, act urgently. For an overview, read PEP vs PrEP.

Yes. The report provides calendar dates for reliable testing. If you want the full explainer, see window periods.

The report includes educational guidance about PEP. Only a clinician can decide whether PEP is appropriate. If you are within seventy two hours and worried, act quickly. Read PEP vs PrEP.

Yes. The assessment asks about PrEP regimen and adherence and applies evidence based multipliers. For an overview of how PrEP differs from PEP, see PrEP vs PEP guide.

Pricing is listed on the assessment page before payment. Start here: assessment and pricing.

Yes. If you are not happy with your HIV risk report for any reason, you can request an immediate refund. Simply email team@hivriskreport.com from the same address you used for your order and include your payment receipt or enough details for us to find the transaction.

If your report does not appear in your inbox within around thirty minutes, please:

• Check your spam, junk, and promotions folders.
• Search for “HIVRISKREPORT” in your email.
• Confirm that you entered your email address correctly on the assessment form and at checkout.

If you still cannot find it, email team@hivriskreport.com with your payment confirmation and we will resend it.

No. The engine focuses on common sexual transmission scenarios where solid data exists. If your situation involves a different exposure type, seek direct medical advice.

Many people are coping with panic, guilt, shame, or regret. The report provides probability and a plan, plus a calmer frame so you can follow through with testing instead of spiralling. If you are stuck symptom scanning, read symptoms vs fear.

Yes. You are free to share your PDF with anyone you choose. Some people bring the report to clinic appointments. Final decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare professional.