[Question #12729] Hepatitis and HIV

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5 months ago
Dear Doctors
I am absolutely terrified about Hepatitis B/C and HIV. Whilst myself (M, 28) and my GF (28) are English, we have not been vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

I discovered my GF has been cheating on me since May 2024 with another guy. Her last STI check was April 2024. We had unprotected vaginal sex in November three times (and oral). 

It is now 108 days since the last encounter and I have had zero symptoms like blisters, urination pain or body rash etc. 

My RNA PCR Qualitative test 21 days after our last sexual encounter was ‘not detected’ for HIV 1 and 2.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
5 months ago
Welcome to our Forum and thanks for your questions.  I'll be glad to comment.  I think you're more concerned than you need to be.  Most people, do not have STIs and most exposures to infected persons do not result in transmission.  Taking concerns one-by-one:

1.  You HIV PCR test is absolutely conclusive.  You do not have HIV-1 or -2 and no further testing is required.
2.  In this era when most people have been vaccinated against hepatitis B sexually acquired hepatitis B has become rare.  When adults acquired hepatitis B, it is typically a self-limited disease.  I would not worry but if you wish to test a test (a hepatitis panel including both antibodies and antigens to hepatitis B) would be conclusive.  Personally I would not bother to test.
3.  Hepatitis C is virtually never sexually transmitted heterosexually and is only rarely transmitted between men who have other men who participate in receptive rectal intercourse. This really should not be a concern either.  

Bottom line- my assessment is that your risk of any of these infections is miniscule.  I would not worry and see little medical reason for testing.  Should you decide to test for the peace of mind it may provide, the results will be entirely conclusive at this time

EWH
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5 months ago
Dr Hook - thank you for your speedy response. It is greatly appreciated. I have tried to stay away from the internet.

For context, the reason for my anxiety is that I work in MENA. It is therefore compulsory to have a blood test for Hepatitis B/C and HIV every 2yrs in order to obtain residency (Syphilis is also tested, but I understand that can be cured quickly with a dose of penicillin).

Based on your comments, I should have no concerns whatsoever about my Hepatitis B/C and HIV results and I can expect them all to be negative when I have my residency medical later this year?

Since November’s events, I have not engaged in any sexual encounters with anyone and I have booked to have the Hepatitis B vaccine (just had my second dose two weeks ago).

I can move on with my life without any fear or continued sleepless nights?

Thank you for your valuable time and assistance.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
5 months ago
Thanks for the additional information.  As you suspected, my assessment is unchanged.  I would have no concerns about an unanticipated positive test at the time of future testing.

Congratulations as well on your hepatitis B vaccination.  

As you suggest, it is time to move forward without concerns.  EWH
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5 months ago
Thank you, Doctor. Your analysis has provided great comfort.

My final question relates to Syphilis. I described these three unprotected encounters to my Doctor and he strongly advised against Syphilis testing - claiming that the likelihood of infection was one in several thousand’.

He advised that I would have most definitely had a large open sore on my penis which would have oozed liquid and been noticeable, and by now, it is very likely some form of persistent body rash would have appeared and been present for over 1 week.

Do you also agree with this view and Syphilis should not be a worry for me?

Once again, I appreciate your assessments.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
5 months ago
Your doctor’s description is rather graphic but I agree with him that I would not be worried about syphilis.

As per Forum guidelines, this 3rd response completes this thread which will now be closed.  Take care.  Please don’t worry.  EWH
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