Confirmation Please

[Spaz1001]

I realize this may cover a lot of old ground, however, it seems as though this could pull some of this all together for me.  

In April 2010, I had vaginal intercourse with 40-some odd year old professional woman (graduate degree) I met about a year before.  During this one encounter, 99% of the time, the sex was with the use of a condom.  The condom did not break, slip or bust.  I seem to recall perhaps 10 seconds of engaging in sex without a condom (between condoms), but certainly not more than that (if even that long as I am traditionally very careful for lots of good reasons).  

After 4.5 weeks, I was negative in a rapid test.

After 5 weeks, I took an HIV ELISA test with Lab Corp. as well as for other STDs.  All came back negative.  After reading "information" I found on the internet, however, I became concerned so I phone her (from my vacation).  I asked her if she had been tested and what the results were.  She generally said she was tested and she was negative.  Further, she was very open with me and we've spoken numerous times since.  I did not ask her to be tested, however.  Moreover, she did work for some time in an STD-related field so my assumption (good or bad) was that she had a decent knowledge base.      

Realistically, I believe that I am okay.  However, there is the nagging feeling that I can't shake.  I have no symptoms (just about 8 weeks after exposure) and feel great.  I have no sores, rashes, coughs, etc.  Just a few sleepless nights and some anxiety.    

I would essentially like confirmation of the following:

(1) that an ELISA test at 4-6 weeks with Lab Corp is something I can rely upon?  Clearly the longer out the better.

(2) that my exposure risk was very low (seems that way, but I am concerned about the very brief interlude of unprotected sex)?

(3) that I am not crazy?

I promise not to ask the same question again and again.  Once and done.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I think you titled your question correctly- I think you know the answer, you just want to hear it one more time.  So here goes.

Your risk of having HIV is negligible and should not be a source of concern. Let's review the reason why I say this - together they assure you that you do not have HIV from this exposures, despite the fact that a part (although a small part) of your exposure was unprotected:
1.  Your partner is low risk. She is in  demographic group in which the likelihood of HIV is less than 1 in 10,000 and she states she has been tested and is not infected.
2.  You had a single exposure. With a single unprotected exposure your risk of infection is 1 in 1000 and, in your case is probably lower because of the brief time you were unprotected.
3.  You have had a negative HIV test more than 4 weeks following your exposure.  At 4 weeks over 90% of infections are detected by HIV tests.

Putting these three facts together, your mathematical risk of infection is 1 in 100 million.  This is not something to worry about.

Finally, your situation, like that of many of our clients represents a great example of the power of the internet not only to inform but also to mislead.  While there is much useful information available on the internet, much of it is also taken out of context or a bit unbalanced and some of it is just plain wrong.  Please stay off the internet.

Hope this helps. Take care.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I told you that you were not at risk earlier.  Why would negative tests showing that you do not have HIV  change that.  Please stop reading the internet and move forward.  

This concludes this thread.  EWH

[Spaz1001]

Dr. Hook,

I know I said I would not post again, but this one is easy and likely a slam dunk.  My blood test at about 7.5 weeks, as well as the DNA by PCR test both came back negative.  I am ready to put this behind me, stop reading the internet, etc.  

You believe I can rely upon the tests based upon their time, results and the scenario about?

Thank you again!

[Spaz1001]

Dr. Hook:

Thank you for your prompt response.  You have provided the confirmation and reassurance I needed.  

I should have additional results from tests I took last week (week 7) today or tomorrow.  I am now waiting for what I believe will be a negative (in a good way) result.

I will keep you posted.

[Spaz1001]

By professional I do not mean a csw, but a working professional.