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STDs (Expert Forum)
6 week test
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
6 week test
by worry2much05, Oct 27, 2005 12:00AM
I had unprotected vaginal sex (i'm female) with a friend twice, the last time being Sept. 16. He did not ejaculate inside of me either time and when asked he told me that he had been tested. I have been overcome with worry over HIV and took a Home Access test at 4 weeks from the first episode and 2 weeks from the second. I know that it was a bit early but it the negative result did ease my mind some. I am sending in my 6 week (41 1/2 days) home access test today. My question is: If this test is negative can I just move on with my life or do I need further testing? I just want this whole ordeal to be over with so that I can make better choices in the future. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 27, 2005 12:00AM
, Oct 27, 2005 12:00AM
First, your priorities are misplaced. Assuming your casual brief relationship reflects your partner's usual sexual lifestyle, it is likely he has other partners. In that case, there is a significant risk of chlamydia, perhaps gonorrhea, and perhaps other standard STDs. But the risk of HIV probably was zilch.
As you seem to already know, the risk of acquring HIV from any single episode of vaginal intercourse, even unprotected, is extremely low. Of course it would be higher if your partner is HIV infected or at risk, i.e. is bisexual or uses drugs by injection. Presumably not, or you would have mentioned it. But if uncertain, since you describe him as a friend, you should be able to contact him and ask. If the answers are no, you definitely do not need further HIV testing; indeed, if he lacks those risk factors, I would have recommended against any testing at all.
Bottom line: you need no further HIV testing after you get the negative result of your 6-week Home Access test. But you would be wise to have urine testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. From the standpoint of statistical probabilities, the chance of a serious outcome is far greater from those infections than from HIV.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
As you seem to already know, the risk of acquring HIV from any single episode of vaginal intercourse, even unprotected, is extremely low. Of course it would be higher if your partner is HIV infected or at risk, i.e. is bisexual or uses drugs by injection. Presumably not, or you would have mentioned it. But if uncertain, since you describe him as a friend, you should be able to contact him and ask. If the answers are no, you definitely do not need further HIV testing; indeed, if he lacks those risk factors, I would have recommended against any testing at all.
Bottom line: you need no further HIV testing after you get the negative result of your 6-week Home Access test. But you would be wise to have urine testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. From the standpoint of statistical probabilities, the chance of a serious outcome is far greater from those infections than from HIV.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
HHH, MD