Planned Parenthood Advice

[redandyellow]

Dear Dr,

In early January I had a protected sexual encounter with a heterosexual male.
I have no reason to believe that the condom broke despite the lengthy nature of the intercourse.

I was tested today for HIV - 16 weeks/108 days after the fact with an Oraquick test at Planned Parenthood and it was negative.

The staff member, however, told me that "HIV could take years to show up".

I have a new boyfriend now.  We have both been tested for every STD including HIV and we are both entirely negative.  We would like to have unprotected sex, but given the information I received today I don't know what to do, and I now I am panicky as to whether I can still become HIV positive.

Unfortunately, there is too much bad information out there.

So, I ask you -
Can I rest assured the I am HIV negative?
Thank you.  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

All HIV antibody tests are equally valid within the timeframe I described above, including the rapid blood and oral fluids tests.

Thanks for the thanks.  Happy to have helped.

[redandyellow]

Dear Dr. Handsfield,
Thank you for your response!

I now realize that I provided you with so little information! I apologize for the vague nature of my questioning.

To respond - yes, my partner and I are both americans.  And I definitely meant that the bad information was coming from sources that were not professional or professionally moderated - which I why I turned to you for information!

Just for clarification's sake though, since the test I had today was not the blood test but the Oraquick test - 16 weeks is definitive for it as well?

Thank you for the best wishes in the relationship - it's been great thus far! Everyone deserves to be this happy.
Best wishes and many thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the HIV forum.

First, the likelihood your partner had HIV or that you were infected is infinitessimal (assuming you're in the US or Europe, where heterosexual HIV transmission remains rare in most population groups).  Second, I guess it is true that there is "too much bad information out there" -- but not if you pay attention to the source.  There is no debate or "bad information" about the time it takes for an HIV test to become positive, if you stick with professional (or professionally moderated) websites and other sources.

Either the Planned Parenthood clinician or counselor doesn't understand HIV and the HIV tests; or, more likely, you misunderstood.  It  usually takes several years for HIV infected people to develop overt AIDS, and my guess is that this is what s/he meant.  The blood test for HIV is usually positive within 4-6 weeks, rarely up to 3 months.  Your negative test 16 weeks after the last possible exposure is 100% solid proof you don't have HIV.

All is well.  Best wishes for a rewarding relationship in all respects.  STDs and HIV are not a concern.

Regards--  HHH, MD