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STD Testing Confidence
Hi Doc,
A little over 2 months ago I had an unprotected heterosexual encounter with someone I knew very well. At the 8 week mark I had a test for HIV, and all the typical STD's. I came back negative for everything. I asked my doctor if I needed another HIV test at 12 weeks and he said no. On my results for HIV it said that I was non-reactive by ICMA (<1.00).
My question is, does a negative by ICMA at 8 weeks mean that I am not going to develop HIV - and what is the confidence in this result in this time frame, i.e. 80%, 90%, etc. Do I need to be retested?
The reason I ask is, when I saw the doctor I had two enlarged lymph nodes in my groin, on either side, and two in my neck, again on either side, which were both up when I tested. I also had chronic diarrhea, which subsided after just after a week, although I still have a sensitive stomach. Also, my skin all over my body feel really hot from time to time and is very dry, and my testicles and groin ache almost constantly. I know these are very minor symptoms though still present), however, I am just wondering if there is a chance that I am still at risk of HIV or some other STD despite testing negative.
If you could let me know what you think it would be greatly appreciated. Also I just want to thank you for the work you are doing on this site, helping us all deal with our anxiety.
Best,
TheIrish63
A little over 2 months ago I had an unprotected heterosexual encounter with someone I knew very well. At the 8 week mark I had a test for HIV, and all the typical STD's. I came back negative for everything. I asked my doctor if I needed another HIV test at 12 weeks and he said no. On my results for HIV it said that I was non-reactive by ICMA (<1.00).
My question is, does a negative by ICMA at 8 weeks mean that I am not going to develop HIV - and what is the confidence in this result in this time frame, i.e. 80%, 90%, etc. Do I need to be retested?
The reason I ask is, when I saw the doctor I had two enlarged lymph nodes in my groin, on either side, and two in my neck, again on either side, which were both up when I tested. I also had chronic diarrhea, which subsided after just after a week, although I still have a sensitive stomach. Also, my skin all over my body feel really hot from time to time and is very dry, and my testicles and groin ache almost constantly. I know these are very minor symptoms though still present), however, I am just wondering if there is a chance that I am still at risk of HIV or some other STD despite testing negative.
If you could let me know what you think it would be greatly appreciated. Also I just want to thank you for the work you are doing on this site, helping us all deal with our anxiety.
Best,
TheIrish63
My comment. Listen to the doctors and stay grounded. If you stress out and jump on the anxiety train you will just fuel your fears. 6 Weeks is great, 8 Weeks is better,and you should be perfectly fine with this. But for comfort you should test at 13 weeks so you don't have any doubts. Don't and try not to test at 9,10,11,12,13 just test at 12-13. You should be fine. Anxiety can cause symptoms also. Relax.
P.S. this is the wrong forum for the doc.
P.S. this is the wrong forum for the doc.
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