HIV Testing

Hello,

I’ve read over the numerous posts regarding HIV testing, window periods, etc. and while I should feel confident in what I’ve read, I can’t seem to shake a few questions.

I had anal sex with another man on August 5th. While protection was used, I’ve convinced myself that maybe the condom broke. I’ve asked the other person about the situation and he reassured me that protection was used and that I had nothing to worry about.

I’ve been tested at 6, 8 and 13.5 weeks. All tests were rapid and all came back negative.

I felt good about my most recent result but I’ve started to get chills/sweats and tingling in my legs. I recently started Lexapro and from the research that I’ve done, chills/sweats/tingling may be possible side effects.  This of course kicked up my anxiety all over again.

That being said, are my results at 13 weeks conclusive? Also, does it make a difference that the negative results were via a rapid test? Perhaps I’m looking for validation -- is it safe to assume that I just need to move on?

Thank you,

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You have nothing to worry about from the exposure you describe.  . FYI, when a condom breaks, they do not leak "a little", they break wide open. There is rarely any question as to whether a condom has broken or not.  Even more importantly, your test results are absolutely conclusive.  You do not have HIV from your exposure over 13 weeks ago.

As for your symptoms, they are non-specfic and could be due to just about anything including medication side effects or a community acquired, non-STD viral infection like the flu.

You can and should move on.  I hope my comments help you to do so.  EWH