HIV testing

[FeelinLow]

Hello.

I recently had unprotected vaginal sex with a girl of unknown HIV status. From what I have read, she was a low risk person (white, british, non IVD user) but this does not stop me from being terrified that I am going to contract HIV.  I know the only thing that will put my mind at rest will be a negative result, but I am still only two weeks into the window period, and scared stiff.  My questions are therefore based on the testing.  After 3 months if you have a HIV duo test at a private clinic in which the results are available the same day are those results as reliable as the ELISA assay offered by the NHS which takes 4 working days.  My second main question is I have read that false positives can be obtained if you have had a hepatitis vaccination (I was vaccinated for my work), what are the chances of this.  Finally if you could help my anxiety about the risk of HIV contraction I would appreciate it.

[vcforeigner]

And post to us how silly your anxiety was.

[vcforeigner]

Dude, dont worry about false positives. You will get a negative result. HIVI and II normally retrograde within 26 days (86%)...which means you will test positive after that many days. If you are outside that time frame...go have a huge Margarita and relax.

[vcforeigner]

Sorry FL but just want to get my stats correct...unprotected vaginal sex WITH an HIV positive woman would be 3/1000...(obviously still an HIV neg would be zero risk)which really doesnt change the landscape. It's a huge longshot and doesn't deserve your anxiety.

Just think of a condom next time... or manually serve your needs.

YOU WILL BE FINE!

[vcforeigner]

I went through this exactly a year ago--I was a mess with worry and anxiety for three months...dont do that to your self. The odds are so far in your favor that its not really worth thinking about. Normal vaginal intercourse, WITH an HIV positive woman is about 1/3000...without HIV positive---zero...which statisticly isn't worth your time to worry. But I've been there so I know you still will...I promise you, you will be okay.

[sparkeler]

No reason to be scared stiff. These type of sexual encounters happen to everyone at least once.  For one time vaginal sex exposures the chances you contracted you got hiv are 1/2000 IF she was infected.  Thats pretty good odds to me!  Your test will be negative.

[suzi-q]

Unless you had on open wound on your penis where vaginal fluid was able to enter your bloodstream, you will not be able to contract HIV.  It is contracted through bodily fluids to blood or blood to blood.  The bodily fluids or blood would have to find a way into your boodstream, so your chances are very very low.  Try to relax and celebrate when you get a negative.  However, remember this time and use better common sense when you make a decision again.

[spade22]

Hi,

I would suggest posting this question in the HIV forum as the people there would be able to answer your specific questions regarding HIV.  From what I understand though, your odds of contracting HIV are VERY low (something like 1 in 2000 IF the lady was HIV positive, I believe).

In terms of anxiety, you may want to talk to your doctor about this.  It may be appropriate for you to go on  an antianxiety medication/tranquillizer (xanax, klonoopin etc.)  over the next few weeks to make them more tolerable.  You and your doctor can make this descision together.

[wishmeluck]

Hey i know its going to be hard but forget about the test until your window period is up.  Dont even think about it.  I made myself sick with anxiety and worry leading up to my test.  The odds are extremely extremely in your favor that you'll test negative.