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Stomach problems - risk assessment
I am currently experiencing some stomach gurgling, abdominal pain, gas and loose/soft but not watery stools. My bowel movements have increased to about twice to three times a day. I have had no other symptoms with it (no fevers, no swollen glands, no rash etc). I have lost about five to six pounds in the past month. Several tests have been performed that have returned negative and have not shown any problems. This has lasted about a month. This change in my body has caused me to start reflecting on everyone I have slept with and to wonder if I may be at risk.
I had unprotected sex like eleven years ago (once) with a girl from Africa. The other episode which was six months ago was a brief encounter probably for about two minutes before putting on a condom. None of these were anal sex. I have had other partners, but they were all protected vaginal intercourse and I have received and given unprotected oral sex a few times too (heterosexual).
My internet research has led to nothing but stress and I am not sure if stress is a factor with my stomach problems. I talked to my doctor once, before the stomach problems started and asked him about testing, and he asked me questions about being promiscuous and he concluded that he didnt think I needed a test, especially not for STDs if I had no symptoms. He told me as far as HIV, if I really insisted then I could get tested. I am very nervous about testing and I am not sure if it is even worth it. I have read archives from the forum and I would have gone with the zero to low risk apart from the incidence from about eleven years ago. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.
I had unprotected sex like eleven years ago (once) with a girl from Africa. The other episode which was six months ago was a brief encounter probably for about two minutes before putting on a condom. None of these were anal sex. I have had other partners, but they were all protected vaginal intercourse and I have received and given unprotected oral sex a few times too (heterosexual).
My internet research has led to nothing but stress and I am not sure if stress is a factor with my stomach problems. I talked to my doctor once, before the stomach problems started and asked him about testing, and he asked me questions about being promiscuous and he concluded that he didnt think I needed a test, especially not for STDs if I had no symptoms. He told me as far as HIV, if I really insisted then I could get tested. I am very nervous about testing and I am not sure if it is even worth it. I have read archives from the forum and I would have gone with the zero to low risk apart from the incidence from about eleven years ago. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.
A related discussion, Hiv & stomach issues was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Of course not. Why would you think it might be different for you than for him?
Your non-common-sense anxiety driven questions are, frankly, tiresome. Time to stop.
HHH, MD
Your non-common-sense anxiety driven questions are, frankly, tiresome. Time to stop.
HHH, MD
I have experience the most of the same symptoms as Jobim621 (except the weight loss). Also, I have received a negative HIV test at 12 weeks from potential exposure. Could it be HIV or not? Do I need to see a doctor if it persists?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Your gastrointestinal symptoms do not suggest HIV or any other STD. Furhter, if had HIV for 11 years, you would have had lots of other more serious symptoms by now. Your doctor is right. But it's no big deal to be tested if the negative result will ease your mind.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Good luck-- HHH, MD
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