[Question #4218] Sorry for bothering.. anxiety

83 months ago

Sorry Doctors for bothering you with my anxiety..

I just have a final question.. today I developed a cold sore on my lips.. and I’ve read on the internet that it’s possible to be an ARS .. is that true?

By the way I’ve done the hiv test tody and it came back negative.. is it possible that my cold sore could be in any chance an ARS?

Sorry again

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

83 months ago

Since the exposure described was zero risk for HIV, it impossible that any symptoms you have are due to HIV. And a cold sore, by itself, would never be the only symptom of ARS. Also, your negative antibody test proves that any symptoms you have are not due to HIV.

HHH, MD

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83 months ago

Dear Doctor,

I forgot to say that I also did a protected vaginal for about a minute, but did not ejaculate inside.. the condom was intact because when I ejaculate my semen still inside the condom, I am completely sure that it was intact.. I thought that it’s a zero risk for condom protected sex especially when it was brief and without ejaculation.. but I’ve read on the internet that it’s also a risk..

Now I did another test which is 3rd generation because I felt severe anxiety.. and it appears that they use 3rd generation test methods..and the result also negative 0.07 at 25 days..

My questions are:

1- does the brief protected vaginal change anything and is it a zero risk also?

2- does 25 days is a conclusion or near to that?

3- if you are my doctor what would you advise me as a son of yours?

4- 25 days and I didn’t experience any symptoms.. does it mean that I am clean ?

Thanks and I am so sorry Doctor for that bothering

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

83 months ago

You either are not understanding or not thinking about what I have written. Your test results show you did not catch HIV. Therefore, the risk at the time doesn't matter. You could have had the highest imaginable risks, e.g. injection of HIV infected blood into your veins: the test shows you weren't infected. And in any case, a single episode of unprotected vaginal sex carries little risk for HIV.

1) Yes, virtually zero risk.

2,4) A test at 25 days is about 95% reliable. Combined with low risk and no symptoms, the chance you have HIV is under one in a million.

3) I would have advised no need for testing at all; and that your negative result at 25 days nearly proves you did not catch HIV, and for sure proves that any symptoms you have are not due to HIV.

Since you are so worried, despite the advice you have had, you should have a final AgAb HIV blood test 6 weeks or more after your last possible sexual exposure. It really isn't needed, except for reassurance: I'm sure you'll still worry about it until that result has been done and negative. In the meantime, there is no point an asking anything more on this forum. There is nothing you can add that would change my opinions or advice.

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83 months ago

Thanks for your advice and your patience with my silly meaningless questions.. I am 99.99% sure maybe 100% that I don’t have HIV.. but it’s the magic act of anxiety.. there is no 4th generation tests in my country only 3rd generation.. and that’s what I did today.. does it conclusive at 6 weeks.. I just wanted to know if I decided to do it..

But I think that I will not do it anymore because you are the expert and you see it not advised..

I’m so sorry I know that you are one of the best STI md in the whole world but excuse my fears..

I apologize for bothering you Doctors.. God bless you for the great job of helping people in here..

Best Regards...

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

83 months ago

I would be surprised if the AgAb (4th generation) HIV blood tests are not offered in your country. To my understanding, they are available world side, although not necessarily in all laboratories, but certainly major labs in urban areas or in association with major medical centers. In any case, the modern standalone antibody tests (3rd generation) are nearly conclusive at 6 weeks and definitely at 8 weeks. But I agree that you don't need testing, except perhaps for psychological support if there still is any deep-seated doubt about your risk.

Thanks for the kind words and the thanks about our services. I'm glad to have helped.

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