Aa
HIV Exposure? Anxiety is taking over my life.
I'm a college freshman. In high school I wasn't sexually active, so when I got here I was just curious. I know it was very stupid of me, but I downloaded Grindr and met up with a guy on September 24, 2017 at about 4 AM. I was unprotected and there was ejaculation inside of him. That night after it happened I went back to my room and cried. I thought my life was over. I messaged him again and I asked are you HIV positive and he said no he wasn't and that I'm freaking out for no reason, then he blocked me. I made a new account and asked again, he promised me he wasn't positive. On October 22, 2017 I noticed a bump on my arm that I scratched and within a few days, it spread around my arms, it was very itchy, I would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night just to scratch. I went to a doctor and he said it's most likely just an allergic reaction due to soap or laundry detergent since I change quite a bit. It is now December 11 and the rash is still basically there, just not as bad. I haven't had any other symptoms, which is why I would like some reassurance about this. I've read that the ARS rash does not itch and tends to disappear after 2-3 days. I'm scared to get tested and this anxiety is really killing me. It's getting in the way of my daily life. Any help is appreciated.
HIV doctors can't diagnose from symptoms, so you won't be able to either. The doctor told you a likely cause, but there can be others, so there is no purpose worrying that it is an exclusively HIV signal.
You can take a duo test now to get a conclusive result. Or if you wait, any test will be conclusive after 3 months. Try to relax until then, since nothing is pointing toward you having HIV.
You can take a duo test now to get a conclusive result. Or if you wait, any test will be conclusive after 3 months. Try to relax until then, since nothing is pointing toward you having HIV.
3 Comments
Thank you for that. And truthfully the rash was probably nothing to worry about since it wasn't that big, but I just think the worst sometimes. I haven't had any sexual encounters since then and I really don't intend to have anymore for a while after all the stress I put myself through. This is also finals week.
There is no reason to feel stress if you use a condom that doesn't break, or do oral sex which has zero risk in the 40 years of HIV history.
I completely understand. I think I'll wait my three months out. Also, the encounter was very brief, like 1 minute to 2 minutes max.
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.
