Aa
Very afraid - 1 Week since one time Unprotected Vaginal Intersource - Risk?
I am truly afraid. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my risk and symptoms.
A week ago I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with someone I did not know well (her HIV status was unknown). This unprotected intercourse lasted 2-3 minutes before I stopped it. I am circumcized. I believe she is promiscuous.
My symptoms were:
Day 3, 4 - Loose bowels, loss of appetite
Day 4, 5 - Slight discomfort of inguinal area.. I feel a dull ache in inner thigh area on both sides of my groin.
Day 8 - Inguinal / inner thigh dull ache continues and is increased. Feels like a sore muscle almost. I can feel one lymph node on my inner left thigh, tender to touch, but does not appear swollen.
No other lymph nodes appear swollen or are tender.
I have very sweaty palms and feet. I feel cold chills, then later warm up. Sweaty palms and feet continue.
A few questions I would tremendously appreciate feedback on:
1 - Is it possible these are ARS symptoms? In the first 8 days?
2 - Am I at considerable risk for HIV given my exposure and early symptoms?
3 - I foolishly have been frequently checking my lymph nodes before they started to ache on Day 4, could I have caused the soreness?
I am honestly terrified by this and am thankful for any feedback. Thank you.
A week ago I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with someone I did not know well (her HIV status was unknown). This unprotected intercourse lasted 2-3 minutes before I stopped it. I am circumcized. I believe she is promiscuous.
My symptoms were:
Day 3, 4 - Loose bowels, loss of appetite
Day 4, 5 - Slight discomfort of inguinal area.. I feel a dull ache in inner thigh area on both sides of my groin.
Day 8 - Inguinal / inner thigh dull ache continues and is increased. Feels like a sore muscle almost. I can feel one lymph node on my inner left thigh, tender to touch, but does not appear swollen.
No other lymph nodes appear swollen or are tender.
I have very sweaty palms and feet. I feel cold chills, then later warm up. Sweaty palms and feet continue.
A few questions I would tremendously appreciate feedback on:
1 - Is it possible these are ARS symptoms? In the first 8 days?
2 - Am I at considerable risk for HIV given my exposure and early symptoms?
3 - I foolishly have been frequently checking my lymph nodes before they started to ache on Day 4, could I have caused the soreness?
I am honestly terrified by this and am thankful for any feedback. Thank you.
Just an update. I had a negative rapid test at 23 days. The dr said odds were 80% that I'm negative.
I will definitely test again at 3 months for the conclusive result but in everyone's experience, is a negative test at 23 days promising?
I will definitely test again at 3 months for the conclusive result but in everyone's experience, is a negative test at 23 days promising?
we cannot babysit you through this. you have been assessed AND advised when to test.
stop trying to diagnose yourself...swollen lymph nodes are diagnosed by a doctor...not the internet ! ! ! ! !
stop trying to diagnose yourself...swollen lymph nodes are diagnosed by a doctor...not the internet ! ! ! ! !
My tongue is pasty white, I have a fever. Lymph node on left side of neck is firm.
I am very worried. Could this be flu or ARS?
I am very worried. Could this be flu or ARS?
Thanks Lizzie, I apologize. Finding the swollen node in my neck today has made me so very worried.
Joggen, the lymph node on the left side of my neck is swelling. I am getting chills / sweats today and I am always thirsty.
Does ARS only start at the 2 week mark, or could it have already started?
Sorry to post again, I am worried sick now and starting to panick. I appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
Does ARS only start at the 2 week mark, or could it have already started?
Sorry to post again, I am worried sick now and starting to panick. I appreciate any feedback. Thank you.
Joggen, thank you very, very much for your reply.
I have an extreme level of anxiety over this, I am sweating quite a bit, getting chills then feel warm again. Perhaps it's just anxiety.
I had a blood test with my doctor a few days after it happened, and will again at 3 months. I may get a test at the 3 or 4 week mark.
I have an extreme level of anxiety over this, I am sweating quite a bit, getting chills then feel warm again. Perhaps it's just anxiety.
I had a blood test with my doctor a few days after it happened, and will again at 3 months. I may get a test at the 3 or 4 week mark.
1 No, not possible. Not consistent with ARS symptoms at all.
2 You had a risk, but 'considerable' is an entirely inaccurate characterization of it. Your risk is very low.
3 Yes, feeling your lymph nodes can cause them to enlarge. It is completely counterproductive- you are not medically trained to diagnose lymphadenopathy.
Get tested in the future, but expect a negative result. An antibody test 3 months or later after the incident will be conclusive.
2 You had a risk, but 'considerable' is an entirely inaccurate characterization of it. Your risk is very low.
3 Yes, feeling your lymph nodes can cause them to enlarge. It is completely counterproductive- you are not medically trained to diagnose lymphadenopathy.
Get tested in the future, but expect a negative result. An antibody test 3 months or later after the incident will be conclusive.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
