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Mutual Masturbation and HIV like symptoms
About a week ago I met another guy online. He said that he had no diseases and was HIV negative so we met up and masturbated each other. I climaxed, but he did not (I don't even believe that he even had precum). This encounter took about five minutes and then we went our separate ways. I had shaved my genital area two nights before (although I saw no open cuts or sores). Days later, I noticed that I had a small cut on my finger (but I believe that I received that cut days after the meeting). Now, six days later, I feel warm to the touch (no fever though-temperatures around 97.9), I cannot concentrate, I sweat and have chills, parts of my body itch, and my anxiety is extremely high. Is it possible that I got HIV (or another STD) from an encounter such as this? What should I do?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It's conclusive. Congratulations -- but of course no surprise.
Thanks for the thanks. Take care and stay safe.
Thanks for the thanks. Take care and stay safe.
Thank you Dr. Handsfield for your calm and prudent advice in this thread. I tested negative at 30 days post exposure using a HIV Combo (I presume this is conclusive?). Although I had numerous ARS-like symptoms (sore throat and some pains to this day), this test shows that symptoms mean nothing in diagnosing HIV and exposure and testing mean everything. Once again, thank you for this service and for your help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The test itself is probably somewhere around 80% reliable at 20 days. But that doesn't mean there is a 20% chance you have HIV. I am 100% confident you do not.
That will end this thread. Do your best to move on without worry.
That will end this thread. Do your best to move on without worry.
I tested negative using a duo test at 20 days. What is the accuracy or reliability of this result?
If it eases your mind get tested. Heck get w oraquick test from CVS. I've had all those symptoms and tested neg at 3 months. Keep is posted
Thanks for your medical opinion throughout this thread. Because of your expert opinion I know that I had no risk for HIV exposure. However, I still have been experiencing some odd symptoms (headaches, nausea, weakness) that I believe are much more likely attributable to anxiety than HIV. Do you have any advice on how to deal with anxiety ahead of finally getting tested?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree exactly with your doctor. Obviously she is very wise!
As discussed above, from a risk standpoint, you don't need testing. If you do it for reassurance, have a duo test (for both HIV antibody and p24 antigen) at 4 weeks, or a standalone antibody test at 6-8 weeks. A PCR makes no sense and is expensive; even if negative, you would still need the antibody or duo test to be 100% certain.
That will end this thread. Do your best to move on without worry. Don't confuse your anxieties about a sexual decision you regret with HIV risk. They aren't the same.
As discussed above, from a risk standpoint, you don't need testing. If you do it for reassurance, have a duo test (for both HIV antibody and p24 antigen) at 4 weeks, or a standalone antibody test at 6-8 weeks. A PCR makes no sense and is expensive; even if negative, you would still need the antibody or duo test to be 100% certain.
That will end this thread. Do your best to move on without worry. Don't confuse your anxieties about a sexual decision you regret with HIV risk. They aren't the same.
I saw a doctor today and she believes that most of my symptoms are stress and anxiety related. She believes that I may have caught another virus (such as the flu) which caused a few basic symptoms and my anxiety only made the situation worse. She said it was almost impossible for me to contract HIV from the encounter described. I am pondering whether to get a HIV PCR or P24 antigen test within the next month to assuage my fears even more. What do you recommend in the way of testing?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
This information does not change my opinion or advice. With a little time and energy, I could easily come up with a list of 100 medical conditions with the identical symptoms you report, almost all of which are far more common than HIV -- even in people at risk, which you were not.
If you want to report the outcome after you have seen a doctor, feel free. Until then, this thread is over.
If you want to report the outcome after you have seen a doctor, feel free. Until then, this thread is over.
I apologize, I may be overreacting but I trust you. Let me ask one last time with all of my symptoms: I have a fever, chills, nausea, lack of an appetite, anxiety, a rash, fatigue, and muscle and joint pains. These symptoms began five days after the possible exposure. Again, for the last time (I promise--without new symptoms), do you believe I have HIV?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Oh good grief. An emergency room??? Re-read my original reply and concentrate this time. White spots in the throat go along with any minor viral infection, and may not be abnormal at all.
You could not have caught HIV, and your symptoms do not suggest it. Believe it and move on. I'm not going to respond to any further hysterical, anxiety-driven comments.
You could not have caught HIV, and your symptoms do not suggest it. Believe it and move on. I'm not going to respond to any further hysterical, anxiety-driven comments.
I once again thank you for your advice, but I noticed some white spots on the back of my tongue and I fear that I developed thrush as a result of an HIV infection. Should I go to the Emergency Room? Please help!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Anxiety of any cause can "cause this much of a problem".
Rash or irritation happen all the time after shaving -- you've probably had it before. It doesn't change my opinion or advice.
This site really can't do more than provide facts and our expert opinion about probabilities, such as the risk of HIV after exposure. Using that information to address anxiety is your job, not mine. If you continue to remain so anxious about it, or if your symptoms continue, get personal care for it. Your username implies you may have access to a university's student health clinic. Such clinics are highly experienced with the issues on your mind.
Rash or irritation happen all the time after shaving -- you've probably had it before. It doesn't change my opinion or advice.
This site really can't do more than provide facts and our expert opinion about probabilities, such as the risk of HIV after exposure. Using that information to address anxiety is your job, not mine. If you continue to remain so anxious about it, or if your symptoms continue, get personal care for it. Your username implies you may have access to a university's student health clinic. Such clinics are highly experienced with the issues on your mind.
Thank you for your quick reply. During this scare I have been extremely anxious over the possibility of infection. Can HIV anxiety really cause this much of a problem? Also, a few days after shaving I noticed a small rash (caused by the shaving) in my groin-pubic hair area. Does this change anything?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.
You needn't worry about HIV. The virus has never been known (or even suspected) to have been transmitted by hand-genital contact, regardless of cuts on the fingers, exposure to semen, etc. Sexual transmission only occurs through intercourse -- a bare penis (no condom) inside another person's vagina, rectum or (maybe very rarely) mouth. As for your symptoms, they are not suggestive of a new HIV infection. THey also started too soon; 8-10 days is the minimum.
As for other STDs, there also is no risk from mutual masturbation or hand-genital contact, and your symptoms don't fit with any STD. I suppose it is possible you caught a cold or other minor virus, but I suspect your symptoms are due to anxiety, nothing more. You don't need testing for HIV or any other STD.
What should you do? Personally, if I were in your situation, I would do nothing, knowing I was not at risk and that the symptoms aren't due to anything serious. But if the symptoms continue or you otherwise remain concerned, see a doctor or clinic for professional advice.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You needn't worry about HIV. The virus has never been known (or even suspected) to have been transmitted by hand-genital contact, regardless of cuts on the fingers, exposure to semen, etc. Sexual transmission only occurs through intercourse -- a bare penis (no condom) inside another person's vagina, rectum or (maybe very rarely) mouth. As for your symptoms, they are not suggestive of a new HIV infection. THey also started too soon; 8-10 days is the minimum.
As for other STDs, there also is no risk from mutual masturbation or hand-genital contact, and your symptoms don't fit with any STD. I suppose it is possible you caught a cold or other minor virus, but I suspect your symptoms are due to anxiety, nothing more. You don't need testing for HIV or any other STD.
What should you do? Personally, if I were in your situation, I would do nothing, knowing I was not at risk and that the symptoms aren't due to anything serious. But if the symptoms continue or you otherwise remain concerned, see a doctor or clinic for professional advice.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
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