Female fears

[Needpeace4]

I am a young woman trying to find her way in life and feel I have made some bad choices. These choices are really weighing me down inside. I would love to forgive myself and move on once and for all. I was in a long term relationship (8 years) until I was 24. After we broke up I began dating (something I have never done) During this time I met 2 guys. At the time I guess I thought I knew well enough. I realize now i knew absolutely nothing about them. nothing. I had protected intercourse with them (separate occasions) I never asked to see the condom. I don't know weather it could have broke or ripped, I assume they would have mentioned it (I hope). Next was a guy I only went on two dates with again protected intercourse but also unprotected oral ( I received)  Again did not ask about the condom. A few months later I realized I am meant to be in monogamous relationships and met my current boyfriend.  I then realized the error in my ways and went to the gyno she says she ran a full panel of tests. I know for sure I was tested for gonorea, clymidia, herpes, and HIV 1&2 antibody only. Everything came back ok except for HSV 1 (But maybe that was there I don't know) That was 5 months. Then I had my general doctor do another set of blood work 10 months later again they tell me all ok. I believe I had another HiV test done another year later. And now again last feb (that would be 3 or so years give or take) Is there anything I am missing? All of these tests went through my insurance so all the same lab. I believe bio reference labs. Should I send them to different labs? Should I take a different test? I see on this site everyone seems to know the generation of tests for HIV I do not. I did see a word that looked like chemulisence? I know this is a long drawn out story but I am trying to give you as much information as possible so you can give me the best advice perhaps as you would give your patients. Thank you for your time. I hope you can help

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help.EWH

[Needpeace4]

Thank you. I know answering these questios must get daunting but I am sure everyone appreciates it as much as I do.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, medications do not cause false negative results and yes, a test at three years is defintiive.  

Your tests prove that your BF is not at risk. EWH

[Needpeace4]

I have a boyfriend. I do not want to harm him.

[Needpeace4]

I am sorry I don't understand what question is so complex?
Would the medication cause a false test result?
Is a 3 year test long enough to cover all my bases?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are askig question with very complex answers.,   There is noneed to wory about HIV tests fo different "generations"- these are issues for persons tsted withiin just a few weeksof exposure, not months- bottom line, again, is that I urge you to believe your tests, move forward, and stop beating yourself up.  EWH

[Needpeace4]

I realize this thread became out of order. Please see follow up questions. Thank you

[Needpeace4]

And what about the meds?
I just want to be sure I cover all my bases
How can I ever feel 100% sure

[Needpeace4]

Had u not taken the tests travel would have been a factor?
What about taking another test of a different "generation "? And sending it to a different lab?
I see you give other tests a 100% I feel I may be missing something
I really want to put this time in my life behind me but I find it so difficult to do so.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our forum.  It is time to stop beating yourself up and move forward.  The number of sexual partners you mention is about average for American women in their 20s.  Further, while multiple partners, as well as their past experiences (like travel) are important in evaluating risk, none of that is important at all once you have been tested.  Currently available tests for most STIs, including HIV are among the most reliable tests in all of medicine and negative tests are highly reliable.  Worrying about foreign strains, unreliable tests, etc. is something we deal with a lot on this forum because so many of our clients are mis-informed by unreliable internet sources.  

The majority of the exposure you describe were condom protected and therefore no risk.  Again, irrespective of the exposures however, the fact is that with negative tests you ca be confident of your test results and need not worry further.  That would be my advice to you-stop worrying that you might have gotten an STI (including HIV) from past exposures and move forward without fear or concern.  I  hope that my comments will help you to do so.  EWH

[Needpeace4]

Also 2 of these guys mentioned traveling out if the country to Thailand and Spain or Puerto Rico I can't remember but I do not know if they engaged in any sexual activities that would have lead them to pick up an unusual strand. Is that something I should be worried about? What about here in the US. (NY)
Sorry I just want to get it all out so you can make an informed reply

[Needpeace4]

Should I mention I was on an anxiety med for a while cant remember if it was during any of these testing times. Should I be concerned?