Concern over HIV

[elees_31]

Many years ago (7-8) I had an encounter with someone whom I did not know too well.  It was stupid, I know!  I don't know his HIV status.  We used protection, but the condom feel off, either during the act, or afterwards, not sure.  When we retrieved the condom, the semen had leaked out inside of me.  I should have been tested after that, but I was naive and I did not.  Shortly thereafter, I began my current relationship.  I recently found out that my now husband has been unfaithful, ONE time.  I decided I should be tested anyway for STD's, in part to make him feel guilty.  However, I am more concerned about my test results (I was tested for HIV this week) coming back positive because of MY past, not his unfaithfulness.  I know men are more likely to pass the virus to women, and I know the odds and so on, but I also know it only takes one time.  I know you can not tell me if I have HIV, that I must wait it out for the test results.  I have so much anxiety over the affair and now with the thought of a positive HIV result I continue to have panic attacks that are debilitating!  I feel I have all of the 'signs' of an HIV infection, but I know must of these 'signs' or 'symptoms' can also result from severe anxiety, which I know I have!  I must admit I am most concerned about a recurring yeast infection that I keep getting.  I used to never get them, I know I have had 2 in the last 2 months, and some before that, probably this year as well.  Also, I read where HIV in women causes breast enlargement.  Mine have grown considerably since the encounter in question.  However, I had stopped taking Depo shots not too long prior too, and was then on bc pills.  I'm sure my hormones were out of whack???  I just need some support!  Thank you for your time, sorry this was so long.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This is your anxiety speaking.  In my 30+ year career in STD/HIV prevention, I have never had someone in a situation like yours who turned out to have HIV.  You aren't going to be the first.  Please do 3 things:  1) Stop searching online for HIV symptoms etc.  2) Go to a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and repeat 10 times out loud "I don't have HIV".  3) When the time comes, call for your test result with confidence and a light heart.  (In the meantime, treating yourself to a nice dinner with a glass of great wine also wouldn't be a bad idea.)

Feel free to let us know when you get the negative test result.  But there's not much point in any follow-up comments until then.

[elees_31]

I am trying to find the faith to believe that the test will be negative and I appreciate you saying it will be.

I have not had children, but have had surgery performed (to have tumors removed from my breasts), but it's my understanding that you are not typically tested for HIV prior to surgery.

I do often feel tired and sickly!  However, I can't swear that's something new, I have always enjoyed my sleep :)

At 8 years in, what 'symptoms' might an HIV+ person have, as I've heard some people don't even know they are HIV+ until 10 years after??

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Relax.  It is almost impossible that you caught HIV 7-8 years ago and didn't know it.  That long after infection, most people with HIV are overtly sick with immune deficiency diseases and a fair number are dead.  And unless your distant partner was an injection drug user or bisexual, the chance he had HIV was very low; and the sex was (mostly) condom protected.

You don't say whether you had any children in the past few years.  If so, probably you were tested and negative for HIV.  Testing is done automatically in all pregnant women (with variation from one state to another, however).

As for your symptoms and signs, whenever a person suspects his or her own symptoms have a psychological origin, usually s/he is correct.  Anyway, it is wrong that the symptoms of HIV and anxiety are similar.  In general, they are not.

I am unaware that HIV can cause breast enlargement.  Even if it does, blaming breast enlargement on HIV in the face of the hormonal changes you describe is sort of like someone hit over the head with a baseball bat wondering whether his headache might be due to a brain tumor.  I'm not trying to make light of it (well, maybe I am), but it is really not a concern.

It is exceedingly unlikely you have HIV, either from your distant past or your husband's recent indiscretion.  Your test will be negative.

Best wishes---  HHH, MD