About protected sex and HIV

[Richard1985]

Is there anyone here who has or knows of any situation where someone has contracted HIV through protected sex?

[zamzam4]

Of course not, that is an irrational question.  Condoms are there to PROTECT people against STD's including HIV.

You have been on the forum alot recently asking these type of anxiety driven questions.  Your fears are irrational and unwarranted and I believe you are in need of professional help which I urge you to seek.

This forum is only fuelling your irrational fears regarding HIV.

[Richard1985]

Thanks zamzam - unfortunately I don't have the money for counselling/therapy nor can I let my secret get out (people will wonder where I am) but I do believe I slowly getting a better mental health and that is ONLY due to this forum. I would probably have passed out with fear by now without these assessments of no risk. This flu and today's bumps are all that made me spiral again but I beliueve my telling myself I had no risk and did not require testing is keeping me in check.

Thank you for answering this question.

[hearttalk]

Honestly Richard I have read a few of your posts and what you engaged in was not risky in terms if HIV at all. I understand how you feel and how damaging it is to worry about this excessively. I wasn't worried about contracting it through sexual acts but through medical route. Either way it can all too quickly consume you and make you panic completely irrationally. You've been given some good advice on here. There is NO risk to you of HIV. I think it's easy to think HIV and forget it's not actually a particularly easy virus to get. It's not particularly contageous unless directly in contact, even then it's far from certain you will contract the virus. Please do take people's advice and calm down. I am worried for your mental health if you continue to do this to yourself :-( please live your life. I probably won't be on here again as I have had my question answered as best as it can be but I wish you all the best and just to remind you... YOU ARE NOT AT RISK from what you did. Best wishes and sending you calming thoughts!

[Richard1985]

Hearttalk - thank you very much for your kind words. They help me a lot and your words of reassurance (though I know the facts by now that I was at No Risk) all help each time I am told them. It's weird how it works for me.

I too am worried about my mental wellbeing but as long as my body doesn't keep scaring me by getting flus and bumps for now I should be ok! "Zero risk" is my new mantra and what I tell myself when the panic comes.

Bless you too and sending you thoughts of wellbeing also. All the best.