risky recent possible exposure, please advise

[davez555]

Hi, I recently had an episode of unprotected vaginal sex (condom came off) with a sex worker of unknown status in Southeast Asia. Was prescribed PEP 5 days after the event and advised that whilst within 72 hours is desirable, there is still a chance PEP can abort an infection up to 5 days after a possible exposure. Have completed the 28 day course which made me feel nauseous most of the time but saw it through. Negative rapid hiv tests at baseline and at just over 4 weeks after the event.

Towards the end of the course of PEP I experienced some discomfort in my groin area and have since had some pain in the lymph nodes there as well as in my neck and armpits. I would describe the pain and swelling as mild but definitely tangible, particularly in the groin where it comes and goes and feels like a shooting pain.

Obviously I am very worried that I may be experiencing a seroconversion illness, and am wondering what my best course of action is. I have a few questions:

1) At this point in time, would a PCR test provide a reliable result
2) Does PEP medication impact / delay the time from infection to seroconversion
3) Is there any precedent for the successful application of PEP after the regularly cited 72 hour window of effectiveness

I want to believe my doctor's reassurances that I am probably not infected, but my symptoms are making it very difficult not to think otherwise.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Teak]

22 days for seroconversion on average. 4 weeks to 3 months for detectable antibodies.

[davez555]

Understood and thanks for your response. Do you know what is the average time from infection to seroconversion?

[Teak]

1. PCR tests will not give you a conclusive test result. An antibody test will be conclusive 3 months after your last dose of nPEP.
2. Yes
3. nPep has a success rate of 86% when taken before 72 hours post exposure