HIV Anxiety - I can't sleep at night

[scarredtodeath00]

I am a 23 yo circumcised male. I have been having unprotected vaginal and oral sex with my 20 yo girlfriend (on birth control) for the past 6 month. When we first started dating she assured me that she had tested negative for HIV. She's my only partner within the last 12 month. I used protection with my previous girlfriends.

My girlfriend recently admitted that she had a promiscuous past before dating me (20 or more other partners and didn't always use protection). She also mentioned that her last HIV test was last summer (4 month before we started dating).She was also recently tested negative for chlamydia and gonorrhea.

I am really concerned because she admitted to being with guys before we started dating and after her last HIV test. She said she didn't always use protection. The anxiety has been driving me crazy. I haven't been able to sleep and i constantly have nightmares that I have been diagnosed with HIV. Its all I can think about. Its even taking a toll on our relationship because I can't have sex with her anymore even with a condom. Its all I can think about these days.

I can't get tested now because I am in the middle of finals and I have a CPA exam within a couple of weeks. If i test positive I will be devastated and I will certainly fail all my exams. I do plan on getting tested after I am done. WHAT IS MY RISK? Please share you opinion.

Thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Please  relax,   Your risk for HIV is tiny.  Having had multiple partners really does not increase the risk of HIV much at all.  The likelihood that your partner, as a heterosexual woman has HIV is less than 1 in 10,000 and probably lower considering her HIV test within the past year.  

That your partner was forthright with you is a good sign, not a a one.  

Given your state of heightened anxiety my advice is to go and get a rapid HIV test.  It will be negative.  In fact, perhaps you and your GF could go together.  When you both have your negative test results, you can be sure that you do not have HIV and have not been exposed.  Then you can turn your concern to more appropriate concerns like your forthcoming exams.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, No need for further testing. Take care.  EWH

[scarredtodeath00]

Hey Doc

I just got the Oraquick test today and it was negative. My girlfriend is out of town and she promised that she'll also get tested next week when she gets back. I definitely feel much better now. Is there a need for me to do a retest anytime soon?

Thanks again

[scarredtodeath00]

I experienced a flu for one day about 3 weeks ago. I also had sever nasal congestion for about a week or so. This really scared me. But at the same time a lot of my colleagues and Professors complained about the same symptoms and it seemed like something was going around. Hope this helps.

Thanks