[Question #12336] HIV concern

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8 months ago
Hello, 2013 I you asked question on another site. Response summed up "from testing standpoint don't need to get tested but do so...you can expect a negative result (never tested)
So haven't t thought much about it until now. Having procedure done soon  and going to test for infectious disease. 
Jan 2013 had less than minute unprotected vaginal intercourse with W/F 21yr south FL Stopped due to no protection W/M circumcised no immediate symptoms but a few months later had a body rash on trunk  lasted for about a week look like maybe pityriasis rosea and long lasting sore throat Over the years had symptoms that when googled will pop up with hiv as possibility I read thru forum and see hetro female to male about 1 in 2000 acts. What's possibility I contracted it almost 12 years ago. Thanks for your time...it's.been stressing me.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
Welcome to the forum. It's always nice to hear from one of our MedHelp alumni!

You don't say what your main concern was all those years ago. Most questioners are most concerned about HIV, and the risk of one chance in 2,000 fits with our longstanding advice about the risk of HIV from a single episode of unprotected vaginal sex with an HIV infected female partner. (Actually, we usually say one chance in 2,500, a figure that comes from CDC.) But syphilis also could have been a concern, and the skin rash of secondary syphilis and pityriasis nodosa often are quite similar. Most doctors or clinics making that diagnosis would have tested for syphilis.

Most important, I still agree with the reply you had then about your exposure -- nearly zero risk for both syphilis and HIV. And if you had acquired HIV that long ago, by now you almost certainly would have had overt AIDS, i.e. you would have been quite ill and possibly dead. Syphilis is different:  it can continue in latent (hidden) form for years or decades.

I have difficulty imagining surgery or other "procedure" that would require "testing for infectious disease". But given your concerns, for reassurance it would be reasonable to include blood tests for HIV and syphilis. You still can expect negative results. I would be happy to comment further if you would like to return and let me know the results. In the meantime, I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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8 months ago
Thanks doc, your response is definitely very helpful .The original question I went more in the depth but a few days after the incident, I preventatively took a course of Cipro and another anabiotic. I can't recall the name at this point and your response was that would've definitely taken care of syphilis, chlamydia, etc. The main concern was HIV.thanks again for the response. I appreciate it.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
I'm glad to have helped. I'll leave the thread open for another day or two, in case additional thoughts come to mind.---