Possibility of HIV?

[gymrat_23]

I have had nearly a dozen partners in my lifetime.  I am 25 years old and very healthy overall.   I've had 4 serious girlfriends, while the rest have been 'hookups' for lack of a better work.  I've probably engaged in safe sex half of the time.  I'm currently in a relationship and have been now for about 4 months.  My dermatologist diagnosed molluscum contagiosum this past 11/17.  My girlfriend and I went to our county's STD clinic 11/19 to get checked for STDs.  We  tested for Chlamydia and gonorrhea as well as syphilis and HIV.  We are negative for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphillis.  Results for HIV are tomorrow, 11/26.  My girlfriend's Nurse noticed that she had some molluscum, but also noticed that she had several genital warts.  This was alarming to the both of us; however the Nurse froze them off and said that in 7-10 days she should be fine from any outbreaks.  Along with this low risk HPV that my girlfriend has, 2 years ago she was diagnosed with a high risk HPV… her gyno noticed this through an abnormal pap.  She goes every 6 mo. and has been clean for the last year.  Her mother had the same HPV.  Genetic??  I've yet to notice any warts on me.  Did she give this to me?  We had sex about 15 days ago last.  Should we abstain from sex until our molluscum and her warts are gone?  I've also extremely worried myself about the possibility of us having HIV.  I don't know why I'm so worried!  Is there a 3 month wait period for us?  We've been having sex for the last 4 months.  Does it have to be 3 months from our last time?  Is there a correlation between HPV and HIV?  If we get a negative result, are we in the clear?  She's had some night sweats and sore throat lately - common cold?  She was born with a low blood count so she is naturally always a bit fatigued.  I know I've had unprotected sex a handful of time, all 1 time encounters.  Do i need to be worried?

Thanks for any help you can provide.  I'm hoping you can calm my fears for tomorrow's results!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Having to visit the clinic in person for HIV results is so yesterday!  That used to be common, for fear people would freak out if positive.  My clinic stopped that policy more than a decade ago, which most testing facilities now do.  Anyway, congrats on the negative results so far.  The HIV test also will be negative.

[gymrat_23]

Dr. Handsfield -

Thank you once again for your comments.  The great news is that my chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis tests all came back NEGATIVE.  Without a doubt, a very nice relief.  I have to actually go to the clinic to get my HIV results.  I can do this today as well should I get off work in time.  While I'm naturally a still bit nervous, your comments have calmed me and my results for the other STDs definitely helps lesson my worries.

Thank you so much for your help and I hope you and your family enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your statement "It would make sense..." in fact is wrong.  You and your partner already are infected with the MC virus.  Continued reexposure to one another won't make any difference.  Same for HPV/warts.  At this point, not having sex is like closing the barn door long after the horse has galloped over the horizon.  You should wait until the additional test results (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis) are back.  If they are negative in both of you, there are no limitations on your sexual practices together.  Go at it all you wish, no restrictions on sexual practices (genital, oral, anal) and no condoms required.  Have fun!

[gymrat_23]

Thanks so much doc.  It helps a lot to get a doctor's perspective specifically on someone's situation.  Just one more question please.

It would make sense that we should not engage in sexual activities while we both have visible MC or warts.  However, I have heard that MC can stay around for 6 months or more.  Do we have to abstain from sex for that period of time?  When do you think it would be safe for us to engage in sex without transmitting MC or warts back and forth to eachother?

Thanks once again and I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

First, congratulations on a responsible attitude about STDs.  Visiting an STD clinic, given the previous STD issues, was a good thing for you and your partner to do.  The bottom line is that once the current molluscum and warts are treated, it is likely you and she will have no further STD issues to deal with.

Second, the sexual lifestyle you describe and the minor STDs already diagnosed in you and your partner are nothing special.  You definitely are not at the high risk level in terms of serious STD/HIV risks.  Let's address your specific questions by going through the STDs mentioned in your question.

HIV:  The chance you have HIV is nearly zero.  HIV is much less common in heterosexuals (in the US and other industrialized countries) than you seem to fear.  You can expect your test result to be negative and will not need further testing in 3 months or any other time.  Your partner's colds, fatigue, and "weak" immune system (which probably isn't weak at all) make no difference in HIV risk.  Visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex forum for lots of detailed discussions of these issues.

HPV:  Your partner has had at least 2 HPV infections, the one causing her abnormal pap smear and the current wart virus infection.  Many people get many more than that; it's no big deal.  I would be surprised if your partner and her mother actually are known to have had the same HPV type.  More than 30 HPV types cause genital infection and are sexually transmitted, and the exact type usually isn't known unless special testing is done in research studies.  And genetic susceptibility has nothing to do with it.  At least 80% of all sexually active people get HPV at one time or another, and its occurrence in any 2 people either reflects sexual exposure to one another, or just random chance.  The STD clinic nurse is correct about treatment clearing up the warts. You need to be on the lookout for genital warts, and get them treated if they show up.  Otherwise, HPV isn't an issue for you.

Molluscum contagiosum:  As you probably learned, MC is never serious.  Genital area MC is often shared among sex partners, as with you and your girlfriend.  Once both your outbreaks are treated -- including any additional lesions, which can pop up in the first 2-3 months -- the problem will be done forever, with no long-lasting effects.

Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia:  Chlamydia is very common, so it won't be a surprise if either you or your partner has a positive test result.  Gonorrhea is less likely but possible.  It will be a big surprise if either of your syphilis tests is positive.  If any of these is positive, just follow the STD clinic's recomendations about treatment, and that will be that.

Bottom line:  It sounds like you are getting excellent care and advice from the STD clinic.  Continue to follow it when your test results come back.

Best wishes to you and your partner for a long and mutually rewarding relationship.  Your level headed attitude toward the STD issues suggests you're off to a strong start on that.

Regards--  HHH, MD