Risk?

[worriedgirl1111]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I am a heterosexual female, who had protected intercourse in July with a man who I have known for many years. We have an "on again, off again" relationship.I also know he has had many partners. In the past, we have not always been diligent about using condoms (I am on the pill), but given the risks and his unknown status (I don't know for sure if he is negative for STD's and HIV, although he says he is), we use them now. In fact, last time we were together he brought up using condoms. That is actually one of the things that is making me nervous, as he didn't used to do this. Anyway, after we had intercourse and after he ejaculated, he withdrew and the condom slipped off. It was hanging a little out of my vagina (sorry to be graphic) and he grabbed it right away. There was no evidence that it broke or ripped and I don't believe any semen leaked out onto my vagina (although there was some on the bed next to me). I'm just worried that maybe some leaked out before he withdrew due to losing his erection.
I called him weeks later to ask him if there was anything to worry about and he said, "No" and that he remembered that I wanted to use condoms, which is why he brought them up. He also said he wanted us to be "safe". I agree and was relieved. But, then I became anxious again and decided to get an HIV test at 62 days post the event. It was the Oraquick Rapid Test using a finger prick and it was negative. The nurse told me that I should be fine and that result is at least 94% accurate. She told me I could come back after 3months, but I didn't need to because she felt my risk was very low. I felt so relieved, but then started reading on the internet about the "window period" and got anxious and confused again. Can I feel confident in this negative result? I am just anxious that I will be one of the 6% or something.. Please advise. Thank you so much.

[nursegirl6572]

Oraquick just came out here in the US this month (not sure about other parts of the world), so more people are considering getting tested for the first time. I think I will probably just take her to Planned Parenthood (I got my first test there a while back), but I do think having the option to take a test at home in private is a good one!

They are accurate.

It's ALWAYS better to test in a medical setting when possible, not because of accuracvy, but because of educational purposes, and for emotional support, and for guidance in the event a + test results.

[worriedgirl1111]

Thanks, Teak. Yes, I know my results are conclusive and I am very happy and relieved!

I was just wondering what folks thought about the at-home test and if it mattered re: using oral fluid vs blood. Oraquick just came out here in the US this month (not sure about other parts of the world), so more people are considering getting tested for the first time. I think I will probably just take her to Planned Parenthood (I got my first test there a while back), but I do think having the option to take a test at home in private is a good one!

Thanks again for your help and responses!

[Teak]

3 months post exposure as you were advised is conclusive.No an or buts about it.

[worriedgirl1111]

Thank you for your quick reply! I had visited their website but was overwhelmed! It is a lot of information.

I had read various reports about certain test that use oral fluid (I think Oraquick being one of them) being less sensitive than those that use blood. As you can see from my previous posts, I tend to be a bit anxious re: HIV, but I am trying to help a friend (who is actually more anxious than I am about this) get tested for the first time and she is hesitant to do so with an oral test. I think she is fine and I want her to experience the relief I have had in just getting tested and moving forward.  In my assessment, it appears to be essentially just as accurate as when used with blood. Does that sound right to you guys?  

[worriedgirl1111]

Hello again,

I want to thank all of you for everything you do on this forum. I just had a question about the Oraquick test that was recently FDA approved for at-home use. What generation would that test be considered? And do you feel this kind of oral test is as accurate as the rapid tests that use blood?

Despite all of the reassurances on here I actually went ahead and got one at 84 days and was negative!! I am so relieved!! I want to recommend it to friends who are hesitant to go to a clinic or doctors, but wanted your opinions. Obviously, if the FDA approved it, it is an accurate and reliable test, but was curious about others' experiences. Thanks!

[worriedgirl1111]

Thank you for clarifying. I had an HIV test many months after the time I wasn't using condoms regularly with him and it was negative. But given the worry I went through, I vowed to always use condoms in the future. However, this latest mishap has been making me very nervous. Would you even recommend that I get another test? I feel torn about it. Many folks (both expert and non-expert) have told me I should be fine given what happened. Thanks again for your time and your quick responses this morning! I know it must be a lot to deal with all of our questions and anxiety.

[Vance2335]

No that is not unprotected.
I was saying when to test based on this statement by you, "we have not always been diligent about using condoms"

[worriedgirl1111]

Do you consider the fact that the condom slipped off during withdrawal as unprotected? It was protected until that point. Thank you.

[Vance2335]

3 months form last unprotected exposure is when a conclusive test can be taken.

[worriedgirl1111]

Anyone able to comment on my situation? As you all know, there is so much conflicting information on the internet and even with medical professionals I have spoken with. I feel that many of you can "cut through that" and I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you.

[worriedgirl1111]

Thanks...

Would also be curious what Teak, Joggen, or Lizzie think. They seem to be veterans on here and would love their thoughts as well. Thanks!