Yes, the 6 week test will be meaningful for you and the result, which I anticipate will be negative should give you peace of mind. EWH
I understand.
So to confirm, your advice is to get tested at six weeks for peace of mind, but given what I have reported and what happened (story is true), while there is always a risk, my risk is 1 in 200.
I am reading all this stuff and my mind is backflipping.
Thanks for your help in advising. I am sure this might get repetitive for you? I read a post from Dr. HHH (or maybe you) recently that said that even in the most perfect of circumstances, it is still very tough for someone to be infected in general (viral load, other STDs present, use of drugs present, etc.), provided they are positive.
Thanks Dr. Hook.
Then I said your friend is incorrect, I was referring to the statement that "there is almost no risk for a top without cuts because the virus cant travel up the urethra", This is wrorng. HIV can be transmitted without visible cuts or scrapes. EWH
I think it depends what you think is low risk. Is 1 in 200 low risk? Is 1 in 10,000 low risk? Is 1 in 1,000,000 low risk. If you want to take 1 in 200 as low risk that is your prespective but I would not consider it low risk as compared to other forms of possible transmission.
Just to confirm...i just re-read your post and you said that my friend was/is incorrect...so then I could assume that you are saying there is always a risk, but that the risk is low, correct?
Just to confirm....now its a waiting game until six weeks. Argh!
Thank you for taking the time to respond. Thank you for advising on the window period and I will make an appointment today 6 weeks from this last saturday for such a test. I think given what you have said I am most likely fine but will follow through just the same.
Thanks.
Welcome back to our Forum. I'll address your questions in the order you asked them.
1. Experts agree that the risk for a bottom partner in ano-genital exposure is higher than for a "top". The difference in risk if rather small. About 1 infection per 100 exposures for the bottom and 1 in 200 for the top, IF your partner was positive. He said he was not infected and was probably was not, most people do tell the truth. BTW, your friend who says there is no risk without cuts or abrasions in incorrect.
2. In the U.S, so called "Duo tests" are now available which are more sensitive than ever before. These tests detect both HIV antibody and the p24 antigen of the virus. A negative Duo test at 6 weeks is proof that you did not get HIV for a standard antibody only test, at 8 weeks you can be sure that you are not infected. There is no need to test out to 3 months.
Hope these comments help. EWH