Need some sound advice

[Brian123]

Please tell me what you think about my situation: BTW...I am gay.

I have had 3 different sexual encounters this year (2 partners):

(1) I had receptive anal sex on April 7th, 2006 with a male. Unprotected, and "pulled out".

(2) I had receptive anal sex with another guy on May 21st, 2006. Unprotected and "pulled out".

I was tested for HIV on 8/16/06.  The test was negative.  

Foolishly enough I had sex again with the same guy from April 7th on August 21st.  
I was the receptive partner and halfway through he put on a condom.


I last tested with a Home Access Kit on Sept 25th. The test was negative.

And please, spare me the needless foolishness that I engaged in. I am aware of it.

So, my question, is....

(1) Do I need retesting for HIV again? I tested at 5 weeks on 9.25.06.  
I plan on testing again @ the 8 week mark.

(2) I had an upper respiratory infection @ the end of August...whereby the MD gave me Doxycycline 100mg.   Would this have taken care on any ghonnorea, syphilis, chlamydia?  Currently I am not concerned with genital warts or herpes.  

Please, serious replies only.
Thanks again for all your support in this matter. I have learned a valuable lesson.

[o_g]

I assume if you had sex with the same guy twice(once in april and then in august), you must be knowing him. If this episode is causing you so much of anxiety, it would be good if somehow you can approach him to find out his status.

The sex act in may with the different guy has already been negated by your test in September so I guess no need to bother about that anymore.

[socgirl]

I wouldn't worry too much about the HIV re-testing.  If you tested twice and both negative, then fine.  My understanding is that after three week exposure (if you contracted HIV) the test would most likely show up positive within three weeks.  So don't worry, i think you're fine.  Maybe go to the doc and get tested for the other issues you mentioned if you're worried.

You mentioned you were aware of the risky behavior you took so to spare you the lecture....I just wanted to say we've all been there before...i mean taking risks and thinking about it later.  However, you are doing the responsible thing by getting tested and knowing your status.


best of luck.

[Xhost]

Hi Brian123,

I think you would be well served either posting your question to the doc and/or searching through the HIV Prevention forum for questions similar to yours.

Good luck, and do try to read up a bit on the forums and/or speak to the doc. BTW, have you talked to your own doctor about this? If so, what did he or she say to do? Just curious.

Glad to see you found this forum, and let me know if I may be of any assistance, if for nothing more than to lend an ear.

Take care of yourself,

xhost

[Brian123]

Thanks Xhost.

My question was indeed answered from MD HHH in another thread on the HIV forum.
My question above was asked prior to his providing answer on the HIV forum.

My question was regarding testing @ 8 weeks with the Home Access Kit.
I was currently unfamiliar with the testing procedure(s) used with this kit.
My concern was the validity/reliability of this testing instrument for HIV-1.
I do know that it is a FDA approved testing kit....just wondered if it was just as reliable as testing in a center with the Orasure, blood vial, or through a major lab co. like Quest or Lab Corp.

Please, tell me what do you think?
Knowing your knowledge and research concerning this topic is always helpful to myself and others that ask questions regarding this testing instrument from Home Access.
(See MD HHH's response under the HIV Forum).

My assumption is that the FDA would not want to regulate a quesitonable kit on the market that can hinder providing a false sense of security to Americans.

Thanks.

B.

[Xhost]

Hi Brian,

Sorry for your anxiety. I've been there, so I know how it feels. My gut feeling is that if you tested negative at 8 weeks on the Home Access kit, you can be pretty sure that you will test negative in another month or so when you take your 3 month test. As the doc has said, he hasn't seen anyone test negative after 12 weeks who tested negative at the 6 to 8 week range.

Having said this, I'm no expert on the Home Access test kit. I honestly don't know much about it. What I do know is that it is a reliable test - it is FDA approved, just like the OraSure or any other FDA approved test on the market today. If it didn't work, it wouldn't be FDA approved.

I know, not much of answer - for that, I apologize. If you're really worried, and I hope you aren't, especially after a negative 8 week test, just go in at 12 weeks and get a final test. I'd recommend the OraSure oral swab test. Results in 20 minutes or less. Not a bad deal. Most health clinics offer it, especially in Western countries.

Sounds to me like you're OK. But, you are probably like me and will have to get the 12 week just set your mind at ease. I will say that I got a 9 week test which was negative, and I felt much, much better. Much less anxiety, could sleep again, and finally started to question the source of my anxiety, which was guilt and other issues. I talked to a counselor who helped calm me down quite a bit. If you feel your own anxiety spiraling out of control, you may consider this option. No shame in it; it helped me immensely.

If I can be of any assistance, even if you just need someone to listen, let me know, be happy to help. In the meantime, try not to worry, sounds like you're going to fine.

[Brian123]

Thanks Xhost,

Anxiety is not bothering me.......it was the 1st time I had taken one of these tests...and wondering the reliability/validity of theiir testing instruments.
Something that I can pass on to future forum users.

Thanks.
B.

[anotherdummy]

Brian,
I am quite sure the Dr. would, for you specifically, suggest testing out to 8-12 weeks only because of the high risk nature of the activity (receptive anal) and just to be sure.  

But, I also think he would say a negative 5 week is very very encouraging and if negative at that point (which you are) he would expect a negative result later as well.

Good luck.