Aa
lumps in neck
doc..i am a 25 y.o. hetero male in nyc...i was last tested 12 months ago (neg)..in the last 12 months ive engaged in unprotected acts with 4 women..of the 4, 2 of them i have engaged in numerous activities before my last test..the other 2 both claim to be of a negative status, one actually showed me a test....i also had a drunken enounter (with condom but heavy kissing) with a post op tg(I think)...anyways, 1 of the 2 is my ex and im not too concerned about her, the other is a married woman 36 years old who i have been involved in an on and off affair with for the last 3 years..the last time we had sex was in april, she was menstruating...about a month after ive gotten 2 swollen lumps in my neck 3 inches below my left ear ..ive also gotten a cold for the last week and i never get sick...my temp has not once gone above 98.8-99 tho. also after an encounter with another one of these women in november i had 3 lumps come on the right side of my neck..they are still here today..my pcp says that they are sebacous cysts and nothing to worry about on right side, so why new ones on the left...also ive been getting groin pain recently...im getting ready to test again and i get very nervous
my questions:
1 could my pcp be wrong about the 3 lumps on my neck that have been here for 8 months?
2 could these new ones be swollen glands? theyve been here for over a month now? ive only been sick for a week..
3 could my immune system be weakend due to hiv causing this sickness and lumps from months ago?
4 can hiv cause groin pain?
5 can my anxiety mess up my digestive system for the last 9 months and completely change my bowel movements?
thank you
my questions:
1 could my pcp be wrong about the 3 lumps on my neck that have been here for 8 months?
2 could these new ones be swollen glands? theyve been here for over a month now? ive only been sick for a week..
3 could my immune system be weakend due to hiv causing this sickness and lumps from months ago?
4 can hiv cause groin pain?
5 can my anxiety mess up my digestive system for the last 9 months and completely change my bowel movements?
thank you
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
"how does a male get infected from a female? does the infection slide down the urethra? or is it from a cut or scab?"
Both ways.
Until you report your HIV test result, I will delete any further questions without reply.
Both ways.
Until you report your HIV test result, I will delete any further questions without reply.
forgot to ask.....
when a women is mestruating does that greatly increase risk?
how does a male get infected from a female? does the infection slide down the urethra? or is it from a cut or scab?
does being circumsized greatly reduce risk?
those are my last questions, thank you doctor...
when a women is mestruating does that greatly increase risk?
how does a male get infected from a female? does the infection slide down the urethra? or is it from a cut or scab?
does being circumsized greatly reduce risk?
those are my last questions, thank you doctor...
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If a woman is infected with HIV, sex during menstruation increases the risk of transmission. Being circumcised reduces the risk. But in both cases, the effect is rather small; and in any case, you describe sex partners who almost certainly don't have HIV. But as I said, the way to remove all doubt is to be tested. There is no point in further questions about the risk of infection; the test results will tell all you need to know. You can expect negative results.
I'll be happy to answer another follow-up question or two, if and when you want to tell us your test results. But not until then.
I'll be happy to answer another follow-up question or two, if and when you want to tell us your test results. But not until then.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Relax. I see no signficant chance you have HIV. Of all causes of swollen lymph nodes, in the neck or anywhere else, HIV is one of the least likely of all. You describe a low risk sexual lifestyle with respect to HIV. In short, I agree with your PCP. But you don't say anything about HIV testing, which of course is what you need to calm your fears. If you have been tested with negative results, at least 6 weeks after your last sexual encounter, then for sure you don't have HIV. If you haven't been tested, discuss it with your PCP. Even if s/he believes you are at no risk of being infected, surely s/he would agree with testing so you'll know for sure.
To your specific questions:
1) Your PCP undoubtedly is right.
2) Since I can't examine you, I cannot comment on whether any new lumps in your neck are normal or abnormal; or, if abnormal, whether or not they are lymph nodes. Your PCP is the one who knows for sure.
3, 4) No.
5) Anxiety certainly can cause intestinal symptoms like that. And whenever a person suspects his or her own symptoms are due to stress or anxiety, usually s/he is correct. But for a specific answer about your particular case, your PCP is the one to ask.
I hope this helps. Best wishes--- HHH, MD
To your specific questions:
1) Your PCP undoubtedly is right.
2) Since I can't examine you, I cannot comment on whether any new lumps in your neck are normal or abnormal; or, if abnormal, whether or not they are lymph nodes. Your PCP is the one who knows for sure.
3, 4) No.
5) Anxiety certainly can cause intestinal symptoms like that. And whenever a person suspects his or her own symptoms are due to stress or anxiety, usually s/he is correct. But for a specific answer about your particular case, your PCP is the one to ask.
I hope this helps. Best wishes--- HHH, MD
for get 1 other question, sorry...
does the menstruation greatly increase risk if a partner is infected?
also i am circumsized which i believe reduces risk?
does the menstruation greatly increase risk if a partner is infected?
also i am circumsized which i believe reduces risk?
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
