Aa
worried
About three weeks ago I had vaginal sex with a csw. I do not know her status. I used a condom.I am not circumcised. I did not have any lesions or similar at the time.I am not aware whether the condom broke or not but remember taking it off and all seemed normal. I was worried about other STDs but to date have not had any symptoms of STDs . I am trying to work out whether to have an HIV test or not and, if so, whether rapid tests are reliable at 4 weeks. I think I have read that these tests can give false positives.
I'd be gratetful for any advice as to my risk and whether testing is advisable.
I'd be gratetful for any advice as to my risk and whether testing is advisable.
I decided to get tested. Today i got a negative result from a rapid test at an approved clinic. The test took a ***** of blood and I got result in approx 10 mins.
How good an indicator is that that I am not infected? I know 3 months is the official time for testing for a definitive result.
How good an indicator is that that I am not infected? I know 3 months is the official time for testing for a definitive result.
The government agencies have to take a very conservative stand here. It is actually recommended to get a full STD panel done yearly when outside of a 100% mutually monogamous relationship. Some STD's can be transmitted when a condom is used properly, but as long as they don't brake, condoms stop HIV.
Mike
Could I get your thoughts on my last post to you?
To: mike 111
Is the absence of other STD symptoms a good sign?
Government sponsored websites state you should be tested if you had sex with someone who ever sold sex for money or drugs.Do you know if this advice changes if sex was protected?
Could I get your thoughts on my last post to you?
To: mike 111
Is the absence of other STD symptoms a good sign?
Government sponsored websites state you should be tested if you had sex with someone who ever sold sex for money or drugs.Do you know if this advice changes if sex was protected?
There is no 5th generation elisa or rapid test, some Dr. or places call a NAT test a 5th generation test,
Teak
Do you have any advice on my risks?
Mike said no testing needed but government sponsored sites seem to suggest testing is required.
Do you have any advice on my risks?
Mike said no testing needed but government sponsored sites seem to suggest testing is required.
Is the absence of other STD symptoms a good sign?
Government sponsored websites state you should be tested if you had sex with someone whoever sold sex for money or drugs.Is this advice changes if sex was protected?
Government sponsored websites state you should be tested if you had sex with someone whoever sold sex for money or drugs.Is this advice changes if sex was protected?
Its tests for antibodies to hiv (like the standard elisa) but also for p24 antigen which is present prior to developing antibodies. It is a 5th generation test and is becoming more popular all the time and is said to possibly reduce the waiting period.
Regarding your question on testing:
Firstly you dont need a test but since you asked:
In relation to false positives, youll never know if you got one. This is because with all rapid tests the standard procedure after a positive result is to immediatly run a further two tests. If these turn out to be negative, a negative result is reported. If these turn out to be positive a Western Blot is ordered to confirm it. Go to Abbott Diagnostics website where you can download the instruction inlays in PDF format. The procedures are in there.
Regarding time to test: Dr HHH told me that either a negative Ag/Ab Combo test at 4 weeks or a standard ELISA at 6 weeks will be 100% proof you did not get infected.
But all this is irrelevant since you never were exposed.
Firstly you dont need a test but since you asked:
In relation to false positives, youll never know if you got one. This is because with all rapid tests the standard procedure after a positive result is to immediatly run a further two tests. If these turn out to be negative, a negative result is reported. If these turn out to be positive a Western Blot is ordered to confirm it. Go to Abbott Diagnostics website where you can download the instruction inlays in PDF format. The procedures are in there.
Regarding time to test: Dr HHH told me that either a negative Ag/Ab Combo test at 4 weeks or a standard ELISA at 6 weeks will be 100% proof you did not get infected.
But all this is irrelevant since you never were exposed.
I can see by your analysis of my words you have gotten a little worked up about this HIV business. I should have said NO RISK. I have seen myself sites that say condoms are only 90-95% effective. I asked them the question..why only 90%? Their answer was that 'condoms my slip or break or be used incorrectly' and they worked out how often this happens statistically.
The HIV virus cannot pass through an intact condom, and you cannot be infected through the shaft of the penis, scrotum etc.
If you are sure that the condom was intact and still on your penis after intercourse you had ZERO RISK.
I have visited csw's also and have been worried about this type of behavior too. I once had a conversation with my regular doctor which went like this.
I told him that I had visited csw's and its worrying me that I put myself at risk. He said 'You've been using condoms though, right?' I said yes and he replied 'Thats ok then'
If you are guilty about these encounters thats one thing, but going down the HIV paranoia path is potentially going to drive you mad. You had safe sex, move on.
The HIV virus cannot pass through an intact condom, and you cannot be infected through the shaft of the penis, scrotum etc.
If you are sure that the condom was intact and still on your penis after intercourse you had ZERO RISK.
I have visited csw's also and have been worried about this type of behavior too. I once had a conversation with my regular doctor which went like this.
I told him that I had visited csw's and its worrying me that I put myself at risk. He said 'You've been using condoms though, right?' I said yes and he replied 'Thats ok then'
If you are guilty about these encounters thats one thing, but going down the HIV paranoia path is potentially going to drive you mad. You had safe sex, move on.
Mike
Thank you for your reply. I'm a little confused about "essentially no risk". Certain internet sites say that a condom does not offer 100% protection.
Do you happen to know if Rapid tests give more false positives than regular tests?
Thank you for your reply. I'm a little confused about "essentially no risk". Certain internet sites say that a condom does not offer 100% protection.
Do you happen to know if Rapid tests give more false positives than regular tests?
I have been advised by medical professionals that if an unbroken latex condom is used for sex there is essentially no risk of HIV transmittion.
Sounds to me like you had safe sex, congratulations. Ive had condoms break before with my regular partner and without exception when they do break they completely uncover the head of the penis due to the elastic nature of latex. If the condom broke you would know immediatly by inspection, that is, if you had'nt felt it breaking beforehand.
If I was in your shoes I wouldnt bother getting tested at all, I cant see any reason to do so.
Sounds to me like you had safe sex, congratulations. Ive had condoms break before with my regular partner and without exception when they do break they completely uncover the head of the penis due to the elastic nature of latex. If the condom broke you would know immediatly by inspection, that is, if you had'nt felt it breaking beforehand.
If I was in your shoes I wouldnt bother getting tested at all, I cant see any reason to do so.
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.
