OraQuick Test … Result: Negative … still, I'm Unsure.

Hi,

Today, I took an OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV I Antibody test; the result was a negative (whoo-hoo!). I had had protected sex in March of '07, but was unsure if I had been exposed in some way. So, from the result of the test, I wasn't exposed to HIV. BUT, I also had had protected sex the first week of June of '07. Now, in both encounters, condoms were used properly. After I received my result, I called an HIV hotline and asked about the result, and he said that symptoms began to show in 25 days and that 3 months was a "sure-fire" way to see if one had HIV. So, can I say that I'm HIV negative completely, or do I need to have another OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV I Antibody test? Please, help me … even though the result is good, I'm still frightened that something might've gone wrong and that something may have been missed.

[regularjoey]

You are HIV negative, move on with your life

[MiamiLat]

You had NO risk to begin with and your result confirms that.

[abcdlr111]

since you used condoms, I don't understand why you are so concerned.  you had a neg test, you are NEGATIVE

[Ledbetter Waltz]

Hi, again,

1. Was I safe when I used a polyurethane condom (as opposed to latex) both times?,

2. From the test, I can tell that I'm negative for my first sexual encounter (which was 4 – 4 ½ months ago), but what about my second encounter in June (1 month ago)? Even if I misapplied the condom (frankly, I don't remember how I put it on…but I did have one), was it still a low-risk activity? (<--- this is the most important question),

3. Is the OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV I Antibody a reliable test, or do I need to pursue another test?,

4. I did finger both women a bit during the intercourse, but does that put me a risk as well?

---

I will say this, though. I know I'm being irrational, but once I have this security I'll stop worrying. The information on the web is so contradictory at times, and I'm confused. I'm frankly angry at myself for having sex with women I didn't know. I will say that this experience has made me realize the delicacy of our sexuality, as well as I'm trying to become more understanding of the people who had a risk with or have H.I.V. Thank y'all for your help.

[Jaguar83]

1. yes
2. you'd know if the rubber broke. proper condom use (no breakage/removal) = zero risk for HIV.
3. reliable
4. no

[Ledbetter Waltz]

Thanks, I'll say that I've tested negative and go on with my life. Though I'm still frightened, I see that there may be no reason for it.

[Jaguar83]

Yep; same boat, brother.

[Ledbetter Waltz]

Hi again,

Sigh … I thought I wouldn't do this, but here I go again.

1. So I'm negative from my first sexual encounter (4 – 4 ½ months prior to test, which, in theory, is an acceptable waiting time for a HIV test), right?
2,      From my second encounter, it was 7 ½ weeks from the test (1 ½ more days and it would've been 8 weeks exactly). Should I wait until August 31 (or longer) to have another OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV I Antibody test [so many tests, it's confusing]?
2. If I don't need to have another test, where is the proof for that?
3. I didn't check the condom after I used it during the second encounter (which was only three minutes vaginal), and I didn't know my second partners history. Would you still consider me a negative result?
4. Frankly, as Jaguar told me, you'd know if you're condom broke. I don't know anything about that. If know you, please tell me.

I'm sorry again, but the more I research into to it, the more "what-if's" and whatnot.

[Jaguar83]

Of course you're negative. Now, talk to someone in real life about your irrational fears; it's the only way you're going to get out of this...

If you don't know, you didn't have a broken rubber. It's as simple as that. It's SOOOOO obvious when it breaks (even you don't realize in the act then you will OF COURSE!!!! realize when you get outta there). C'mon now...

[Jaguar83]

No problem man, you admitted it. You're good to go.

[Ledbetter Waltz]

You're absolutely right, Jaguar. By what you've said, I was at low risk (the condom didn't slip off or break), and as long as I used a polyurethane condom (less research, though, than latex) it seems that I couldn't have come in contact with bodily fluid; according to Dr. HHH and other "progressives," I tested near the end of 8 weeks (I had said I tested 7 ½ weeks later), thus guaranteeing me a negative result (but for "conservatives," I have to wait until the end of August); I read the pamphlet I got from the OraQuick test, and said I couldn't receive HIV from protected sex; the woman I spoke to the day before the test assured me that I would be negative and that I practiced safe sex when I told her the full truth of the incident. Even if something went wrong, I should know at least by now … and it still would be low risk! And yet, I'm afraid. How ridiculous … but I am, and I'm wasting other people's time about this. Thanks again!

[manton]

As long as you are using condoms for both vaginal and anal sex then your hiv status will always be negative.  You can be assured anything beyond 6 weeks would conclude that you are negative.  You could test again and it will be negative.   No need to worry about this.   I would take those results and move on. Take Care.

[Popcornguy]

I dont understand why so many people in this forum think they have hiv after they use a condom properly. There was no need for a test in the first place and all that you did by getting tested was a waste of time. You need to move. Your fine and im glad your starting to realize that.

[Ledbetter Waltz]

Hi again,

Since today was the twelve week mark since I last had protected sex with an anonymous woman (June 6, 2007), I went and had another OraQuick Advance Rapid HIV I Antibody test. The result was negative again! I was so relieved, and it eased the guilt of anonymous, but protected, sex.

I wasn't allowed to be tested by the first clinic because they believed that one should be tested for HIV three months after someone has had a test. That meant that if I wanted to be tested by that clinic, I would need to be tested at the end of October. Everything that representative told me was against what the CDC, Dr. HHH, Dr. "Bob", among others, had said.

So, the second clinic tested me and I told the man who tested me the full story. I had sex with two prostitutes; one in March, and the other in June. He was a bit surprised, but assured that I would have a negative result before the result came back. And it was! I asked him if I needed to come back for further testing, and he said, "No." So, Dr. HHH window time is over (6 – 8 wks.), and Dr. Bob and the CDC window time are over (12 wks., or 3 months).

Still, the guilt remains.

[Ledbetter Waltz]

Oh yes, both prostitutes were street-walkers ... am I at risk still?

[Teak]

You had protected sex and didn't need to test. You tested not only for HIV1 but HIV2 also and were negative. You were never at risk.

[Ledbetter Waltz]

So, you're saying that despite the fact that I had protected, vaginal intercourse with two prostitutes whose HIV status was unknown (you yourself said that it was extremely high risk), that despite the fact that my situation is considered high-risk because I exchanged money for sex (according to the CDC), that I'm negative all together?

[Teak]

What I'm saying is you used a condom and that means protected sex. Who, money or anything else does not matter, as long as you used a condom.

[Ledbetter Waltz]

Thank you!