Testing after a rape

[jenn8283]

I was raped six weeks ago. A man broke into my house and raped me while I was sleeping. I woke to him yell profane words at me and told me he gave me hiv. I took a six week hiv test today. Two weeks after the rape I was not sure if he came back and raped me again b/c my clothes were on a little different and I had a lot of wetness.

My question is the six week test conclusive even if i might have been violated two weeks after the first incodent?

[jenn8283]

Is the 3 month test necessary. You later wrote that 6-8 weeks is usually fine for a rape.

[sparkeler]

I'm so sorry to hear of your tragic experience.  All I kept thinking when readin your post was why didn't you go to the emergency room after he raped you?  Especially after cruely stated he gave you hiv.  I would think that would warrant PEP.  Anyway for one time exposure, it's like 1/1000 chance he passed it on to you (if even did have hiv.)  I will definatly keep you in my thoughts and keep my fingers crossed.  Did they catch this guy?  I'm very disgusted at this whole situation.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

All I can say is that a test 6 weeks after the last exposure is close to 100% certain.  However, after sexual assault, most authorities recommend a final test 3 months after the event.

You're the only one who can judge whether or not you were sexually assaulted a second time.  Just be sure you are tested a final time at least 3 months after the last possible exposure.  But in the meantime, the negative result 6 weeks after the first event (possibly only 4 weeks after a second event) still is highly reassuring.

You need to be tested for other STDs as well, if that hasn't been done.

HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

6-8 weeks is fine for rape as well as anything else. However, so many authorities still recommend 3 months following rape, that it is less confusing to simply go with the flow in that circumstance.

The higher the risk, the more important to have a late test at say 3 months.  This has been discussed in detail; search the archives for "time to positive HIV test" and "HIV diagnosis".

HHH, MD

[jeremy_0808]

Hello Dr
I'm new in this forum. After reading many threads i'm a little confused about your answers.
You recommend in this thread a 3 month test. However in your previous answers you said 6-8 weeks are enough.
For example: in a thread from 28/10 you say "You do not need HIV testing at 12 and 24 weeks; a single test at 6-8 weeks would be sufficient."
How can a rape be so different from any other sexual exposures?
Please answer me as I'm approaching my 6 week mark and obviously i'm under a lot of pressure.
Thank you very much

[jeremy_0808]

Thank you doctor for your quick reply.
I did search in the archives but couldn't find what's different about rape.
What do you mean by saying "The higher the risk, the more important to have a late test at say 3 months"?
I'm sorry if it seems that i'm repeating my question but i just couldn't understand why the risk is higher in rape even after searching the archives.
Moreover, if tests are indeed conclusive after 6-8 weeks why would i have to test after 3 months?
Should i wait 3 months to get tested?
Once again- thank you very much.