Aa
Possible Sex in Beijing
Dear Doctor
This might seem a ridiculous concern but I beg for your understanding to allow me to share my story and help me rationalize the situation. I do not take drugs or drink alcohol and I have not had sex that I know of. I am presently in Beijing. A couple of weeks back, I was walking down a dodgy alleyway in broad daylight and a girl was staring at me. I stupidly looked back. I do not seem to recall what happened after that, but I do remember vaguely that I walked on. At the same time, there is a part of my brain that is conjuring up situations that I could have had unprotected sex with this Chinese street-walker. The situations seem so real that I have come to believe I really had sex, but I cannot remember whether or not I had sex. It is nerve-wrecking and I wake up every morning thinking about it. I also have a high sex drive (I masturbate almost every day) which has made me believe that I could have done it because I was not able to control myself. Taken together, I am riddled with anxiety and I really do not know what to do because although it might sound ridiculous, I cannot seem to differentiate reality from fiction i.e. whether I had sex or not.
a. What should I do doctor? Am I at risk for HIV or is this a psychiatric concern?
b. In a situation like this, when is the earliest I can take a normal HIV test to get a definitive result? If I was to take the 28-day duo test offered in London, would that be conclusive?
I promise no what-if and yes-but questions. Just need your understanding and compassion to address my concern that is tearing my life apart. Thank You.
--23 year old male student from London--
This might seem a ridiculous concern but I beg for your understanding to allow me to share my story and help me rationalize the situation. I do not take drugs or drink alcohol and I have not had sex that I know of. I am presently in Beijing. A couple of weeks back, I was walking down a dodgy alleyway in broad daylight and a girl was staring at me. I stupidly looked back. I do not seem to recall what happened after that, but I do remember vaguely that I walked on. At the same time, there is a part of my brain that is conjuring up situations that I could have had unprotected sex with this Chinese street-walker. The situations seem so real that I have come to believe I really had sex, but I cannot remember whether or not I had sex. It is nerve-wrecking and I wake up every morning thinking about it. I also have a high sex drive (I masturbate almost every day) which has made me believe that I could have done it because I was not able to control myself. Taken together, I am riddled with anxiety and I really do not know what to do because although it might sound ridiculous, I cannot seem to differentiate reality from fiction i.e. whether I had sex or not.
a. What should I do doctor? Am I at risk for HIV or is this a psychiatric concern?
b. In a situation like this, when is the earliest I can take a normal HIV test to get a definitive result? If I was to take the 28-day duo test offered in London, would that be conclusive?
I promise no what-if and yes-but questions. Just need your understanding and compassion to address my concern that is tearing my life apart. Thank You.
--23 year old male student from London--
Thank you Dr EWH. I have decided to take the 28-day HIV duo test in London. Based on the symptoms I have been getting where both my glands in my neck and armpits seem swollen, I have had a high fever and bad sore throat, can't sleep at night and am feeling nauseous, I have a feeling I am positive. I will keep you posted when I receive my results.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you choose to test, please remember that you are doing it for peace of mind, not because you are at risk.
At 6 weeks an HIV test woul detect over 95% of recently acquired HIV tests, at 8 weeks results would be defintive. EWH
At 6 weeks an HIV test woul detect over 95% of recently acquired HIV tests, at 8 weeks results would be defintive. EWH
Dr EWH, thank you for your response. Such fears don't seem to go away. Perhaps, in addition to speaking with a mental health professional which I will, would it be a good idea to take a HIV test for a peace of mind? I read the other threads where a definitive result could come from a 8-week test? Can I confirm this or can I test even earlier i.e. 6 weeks? No further questions, just need your advice on HIV testing. Thanks again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the Forum. differentiation of reality from imagination is sometimes difficult however, in this situation, if you had sex with this person, having never had sex, I am confident that you would remember it is exquisit detail. The event you describe would not put you at risk for HIV and you do not need testing., My suggestion is that you speak with a mental health professional about this situation. EWH
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