Aa
worried
Hi Doctor,
3 months ago, i had en encounter with another man. ( I am gay). I had protected anal ( i am the receiptive one) and unprotected oral with him. I had test negative 9 weeks post the encounter.
What made me worried is that i was diagnosed genital herpers after this encounter and i don't know if the man has open sores on the base of his penis which was not covered by the condom at that time. Is it possible that hiv can be transmitted via the open sores not covered by the condom during the anal intercourse? I didn't see any sore on his penis when i gave him oral thougth. He also said he never have any outbreak ever. But i just cannot be 100 % sure.
Am I worried too much? or should I consider re-resting ?
Thank you for your time. I am really scared.
3 months ago, i had en encounter with another man. ( I am gay). I had protected anal ( i am the receiptive one) and unprotected oral with him. I had test negative 9 weeks post the encounter.
What made me worried is that i was diagnosed genital herpers after this encounter and i don't know if the man has open sores on the base of his penis which was not covered by the condom at that time. Is it possible that hiv can be transmitted via the open sores not covered by the condom during the anal intercourse? I didn't see any sore on his penis when i gave him oral thougth. He also said he never have any outbreak ever. But i just cannot be 100 % sure.
Am I worried too much? or should I consider re-resting ?
Thank you for your time. I am really scared.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The risk of transmission is irrelevant. The test result shows you weren't infected, so there is no point in speculating about hypothetical risks.
Doctor,
thanks for your answer. I searched the forum and found most ppl have concern that the chance of hiv entering the body via the open sores on the penis. But what about the possibility of hiv transmitted from an open sore on the penis which is not covered by the codom to rectal?
thanks for your answer. I searched the forum and found most ppl have concern that the chance of hiv entering the body via the open sores on the penis. But what about the possibility of hiv transmitted from an open sore on the penis which is not covered by the codom to rectal?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
Relax. your negative test result is 100% reliable. In considering the likelihood someone has HIV, test results ALWAYS overrule exposure history, symptoms, or all other factors -- as long as testing is done sufficiently long after exposure, and 9 weeks is plenty. Although many health agencies recommend 3 months for definitive results, with modern HIV tests virtually everyone with a new HIV infection has positve results by 6-8 weeks.
As for your apparently new HSV-2 infection, the important thing is that your HIV results show you didn't catch HIV. Simultaneous transmission of HIV and HSV-2 clearly can occur, and in such circumstances, the risk of HIV transmission is substantially elevated. But your test results show it didn't happen to you.
Given the common advice for 3 months as the definitive testing interval, perhaps you will feel better if you have one more HIV antibody test at that time. However, this is not "code" to suggest I believe you might have been infected. I do not, and recommend any additional testing solely for its reassurance value. You can expect an additional antibody test to remain negative.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Relax. your negative test result is 100% reliable. In considering the likelihood someone has HIV, test results ALWAYS overrule exposure history, symptoms, or all other factors -- as long as testing is done sufficiently long after exposure, and 9 weeks is plenty. Although many health agencies recommend 3 months for definitive results, with modern HIV tests virtually everyone with a new HIV infection has positve results by 6-8 weeks.
As for your apparently new HSV-2 infection, the important thing is that your HIV results show you didn't catch HIV. Simultaneous transmission of HIV and HSV-2 clearly can occur, and in such circumstances, the risk of HIV transmission is substantially elevated. But your test results show it didn't happen to you.
Given the common advice for 3 months as the definitive testing interval, perhaps you will feel better if you have one more HIV antibody test at that time. However, this is not "code" to suggest I believe you might have been infected. I do not, and recommend any additional testing solely for its reassurance value. You can expect an additional antibody test to remain negative.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
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.
