Advice needed

[booboobear2013]

Newly single 29 year old AA woman needing advice.  Within the last two months, I had sex with two different men, both AA.  One took off the condom midway through. (this guy is a medic and claims that he's tested by his department annually)  The other was a long time friend of mine.  (this guy is military and also says that he is required to test annually).  Both men indicate that I have nothing to worry about.  However, I worry about whether they are accurate about their statuses.  They could have contracted the virus between the time they tested and the time they had sex with me.  My last test (for hiv as well as all stds-- about six months ago) was negative and they are the only two unprotected incidents.  Is this something I should worry about?  Can I wait until my next annual exam to be screened or should I be tested immediately? I have had no symptoms of any std--though that may not mean much.  

Doctor, please advise.  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your sinus infection isss totally unrelated to the sexual encounters we have discussed and is coincidental.  Nothing to worry aobut. EWH

[booboobear2013]

Just one last question and I'm done here.  I've recently come down with sinus pressure, sneezing, coughing, congestion and just a general feeling of unwellness.  How likely is it that these could be symptoms of HIV infection?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Great, glad I could help. EWH

[booboobear2013]

With that information, I think I'll wait until my next annual exam to be tested.  I've been through several of your threads, and your advice seems to be very accurate.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Understood, still very low risk for HIV.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  There are no scientific data to answer your very good question with but I will provide my perspectives which I hope will help you.   I congratulate you on your practice of regular exams and STD checks – this will go a long way to keeping you happy.  You are doing just the right thing by discussing prior testing (and possibly prior partners) with your partners. The issue of how often to test is a judgment call which is based on your estimation of how likely your partner(s) to be infected, questions which reflect previous testing and who they have had sex with prior to you, and how accurate/truthful you think their information/discussions have been with you.  Most people do not have STDs, most exposures to infected partners do not lead to infection, and condoms are highly protective for STD/HIV prevention.  People in the military are tested annually however I am not sure about medics.  

On the other hand STDs can be asymptomatic, both in women and in men.

Over all, the odds are very much in your favor that you are not infected but the issue is one that you'll need to address for yourself based on your level of concern and what is right for you.

I hope these comments are helpful to you.  I hope making this your decision is not bothersome to you.  EWH

[booboobear2013]

Clarification:  I didn't use a condom with the second guy.  We only had sex once.