[Question #2633] HIV testing
96 months ago
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Dr.Hansfield, I am working on receiving counseling to help with my situation, but for some reason I can't seem to trust my results, as previously stated I have had a 4th gen rapid at 28 days which was negative. I had another 4th gen test at 35 days and 50 days both performed by labcorps and i can't stop worrying, do you think there is any chance that I should get tested again ? Once again the exposure was one time unprotected vaginal intercourse with a woman of unknown status. Thank you for your time.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
96 months ago
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*Sigh*
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I've already told you that your test result at 7 weeks (50 days) is conclusive and proves you don't have HIV. I have nothing to add to our previous conversation. It's not my responsibility that you "can't stop worrying"; that part is up to you. As you suggest yourself, counseling would be a logical step.
HHH, MD
95 months ago
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I appreciate your response, Dr.Hansfield, my last question would be is it possible for a primary infection of herpes to present itself on the outer portion of my thigh. I'm about 99 percent sure that it was just ingrown hairs as there is very small new hairs coming out of where the two small dots were on my right thigh spaced about an inch and a half apart. They were not located anywhere near my inner thigh or scrotum. Also I went to the doctor and she found a very small amount of blood in my urine and I was tested twice for ghono and chlamydia and they both come back negative. Blood was found in the urine 4 weeks after possible exposure, I then went to a urologist and he found nothing wrong. Thank you for your time.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
95 months ago
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For an HSV infection to take hold, in general the virus must be "massaged" into the tissues. Therefore, initial herpes almost always occurs at the site(s) of maximum friction during sex. typicall the penis in men or vaginal opening or labia minor in women. Recurrent herpes can occur on the outer thigh, but even that is an atypical location. Your self diagnosis of folliculitis (inflammation around ingrown haris) sounds exactly right.
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The urine gonorrhea and chlamydia tests are very accurate and you can rely on the results. I have no explanation for the slight blood in your urine, but I also see no reason to doubt your urologist's evaluation.
95 months ago
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When the exposure happened, I have no idea if the two individuals were infected or not, but the next morning I woke up with a very faint on and off tingling sensation inside of the urethra, this went on for about 8 days and I still fill it from time to time, the 5th day after exposure I felt a bit dizzy and it seemed mostly when I gout out the shower I would like I had a fever, each time I felt like I had a fever it would quickly go away and never lasted through out the course of the day, this happened 4 or 5 times and was never consistent, if I had been infected with HSV2 do these sound like symptoms, and would it be okay to test right now with an IGG test at 8 weeks ?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
95 months ago
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No STD can cause symptoms within 24 hours, i.e. "the next morning". And these symptoms are not suggestive of herpes, regardless of what you think you learned online or elsewhere. I strongly recommend against testing for HSV: the tests are not perfect, and the chance of a false or misleading result is a lot higher than the chance you were infected. If you decide to be tested anyway, a negative result at 8 weeks would be somewhat reassuring, but it still takes 12-16 weeks for conclusive results. My continued suggestion is to suck it up and move on without worry!
That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question, and so ends this thread. Please don't be tempted to post any more questions about this exposure and your concerns about herpes, HPV, or other STDs. There is nothing more you can say that would be likely to change the opinions and advice you have already had.
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