[Question #12735] Risk assessment request.

5 months ago

Hello. I am a gay male seeking some insight on my risk regarding a sexual encounter. I had unprotected anal sex with another male where I was the insertive partner in late September 2024. This was my only sexual encounter since my last HIV test done through the military in February, 2024 (negative result.) The receptive partner was another military member from another country (Colombia) while overseas in the middle east. When asked about his status, he informed me he was also negative. The encounter was probably about 10-15 minutes, and I never experienced any symptoms of any kind after our encounter. HIV testing is not readily available at this current location due to very limited medical resources, but I was able to order a OraQuick test online. I used that test on January 21st, 2025 and it displayed a negative test result. The only illness I had experienced in that entire timeframe was a COVID infection that made its way around most of my coworkers as well. I've always had issues with what looks like some irritated hair follicles on my thighs and occasionally on my calves, so I don't suspect that is any issue other than some overly-sensitive skin perhaps. Finally, I do notice the back of my tongue will get a bit more of a white coloration to it by the end of the day, but it easily comes off with normal oral hygiene (brushing and tongue scraping.) This seems like a normal occurrence but figured it couldn't hurt to include it. When I get back to the US, I'll be sure to do whichever HIV test is recommended. Are there any numbers available that might describe the odds of contracting HIV based on the above information? Thank you very much for your time.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

5 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your confidence in our services.

There is no chance you have HIV. First, it sounds very unlikely your partner had HIV, and your negative Oraquick test is conclusive for all practical purposes. And your symptoms are not at all suggestive of HIV -- and even if they were, test results always overrule symptoms. The symptoms of HIV are not due to the virus directly, but to the immune response to the virus -- meaning antibody must be present and the test positive. In other words, it is not possible to have HIV symptoms and to have negative results with any HIV test, oraquick included. Contrary to common beliefs, there are no medical conditions, drugs, or treatments that alter the timing or reliability of the HIV tests, including covid. (The only exception is anti-HIV drugs themselves, e.g. if taken as post-exposure prophylaxis, which can delay positive test results if PEP doesn't work.)

In summary, I would put the odds you have HIV at literally zero. I see no need for additional testing when you return to the US -- but of course you are free to be retested (e.g. with an AgAb, i.e. 4th generation) blood test if the additional negative result would further reassure you.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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