[Question #2627] Unprotected vaginal sex
95 months ago
|
Hi Dr Handsfield
I had unprotected vaginal sex with a girl (white 35yrs old) from Sacramento about a month ago. Don't know her but she was very clean cut. Sex lasted about 5-10 minutes. A few days later I got a cough that is wet that ultimately developed into a very mild sore throat that lasted a day then turned into just a slight scratch in my throat. No fever or rash but a lot of mucus. Maybe sinus infection as I have had many of those due to bad allergies. Anyway I had a RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) HIV test rapid test at 17 days past exposure. Result was negative. Same for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia... Both negative. I know the rapid hiv tests aren't 100% but I was wondering if In your opinion I truly need to get any further testing done. I know the odds of female to male transmission 1/1000 she has hiv x 1/2000 chance of contraction. Please any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
N
![]() |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
95 months ago
|
Welcome to the Forum. I'll be glad to comment. Cough is not a sign of any STI, including HIV. Your testing proves that you did not get HIV, Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. Sometimes test names are confusing. The RNA test is not a rapid test but is a PCR-like test which would be definitive at day 17 after exposure. Similarly, I would consider your tests for gonorrhea and Chlamydia definitive as well. At this point, in the absence of symptoms I would not worry further and see no medical need for further testing. EWH---
95 months ago
|
Thanks Dr.
I really appreciate your reply. It took away some anxiety for sure. No not really any symptoms other than the cough I mentioned. I did get a mild sore throat and my voice is slightly hoarse though I suspect it was due to a lot of coughing and a ton of mucus draining daily swing as how the cough came first. It's been a struggle particularly in the morning with the mucus. But I know sore throat(usually severe) can be a symptom and so it made me a little nervous. But honestly it's more like a hair in my throat vs actually being sore. Thoughts?
![]() |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
95 months ago
|
Your additional information does not change my assessment. There is no reason to worry about HIV. Your HIV test result is definitive, as I said. Your cough ( which is not a sign of HIV) is not a sign of HIV. When symptoms and reliable test results differ, the test results should always be believed. EWH---
95 months ago
|
Thank you Dr. you have been an big help and I appreciate it very much!