Greetings.  I have a history of anxiety relating to hiv.  This is due to a rape.  I finally found a therapist that through counseling and medication has me under control.  

For the record- I do ask partners if they have been tested for STDs and hiv.  I also never have vaginal sex without a condom.  I don't do drugs.  I do have hpv.

My questions are general in nature.  

1.If your casual dating and get a bj, does it require hiv testing after each encounter / or do you even need hiv testing at all?  (I have read no risk)

2.  August 26 2018 I received a steroid injection in my hip for knee and hip pain.  I don't know the dose the doctor just said it it could last 3 to 8 months.  Does this effect hiv test results?

3.  Can thrush be the only symptom of ars?

4.  Can I guy get hiv from performing cunnilingus?

I do get tested for hiv routinely but I don't want to go after every little event.  I have recently started  getting to know someone so we will see how it goes.  Thanks.  Have a nice weekend.

Welcome back to the Forum.  I'm pleased to hear that you have connected with a therapist.  I think that is the right thing for you and hope that their help is benefiting you.  You, I and Dr. Handsfield have had many interactions in the past.  My responses here will build on them. Straight to your questions:

My follow-ups are

1.  So in true ARS oral thrush would be one of several symptoms or it can be seen in isolation?

2.  Regardless of whether you take antibody only test or an antibody / antigen test a steriod injection to my hip would not affect my bodies response (antibody antigen production)?

3.  What is your prediction of a cure ever being found?  They did find a cure for hepatitis.

Thank you.

2.  Correct, the prednisone injection would have no effect irrespective of the test type.

3.  Finding a cure will be very difficult but remains a topic of intense research.

EWH

A week or so prior to having several spots which looked like thrush, (which was not confirmed by doctor),  I had a rash between my two nipples and slightly above 1 nipple.  I was traveling for business so I sent a picture to my dermatologist.  He said this was not an ARS rash just regular irritation.  I have had chest rashes and spots in my mouth many times over the years.  

I continue to think logically, that receiving oral sex and performing on a female, and using a condom for vaginal sex is not a risk for HIV.  This will keep me safe.    

1. Is an isolated rash and spots in my mouth several weeks latter concerning regarding ARS?

2. Can I continue dating with out worry of hurting anyone?

3.  I know repeat testing for non risks sets me back mentally so I am trying not to fall back into that pattern.  Do you agree with this strategy?

Thanks and have a great holiday season!!

1.   And isolated rash or the sorts of spots you describe is in no way suggestive of the ARS.  Please see my comment above about overthinking this. 

2.   Yes, absolutely. There is no reason for concern. 

3.   Absolutely. I congratulate  you on appreciating that there is no reason for further testing and that this just perpetuates the issues you are struggling with. Please do not test. It is not necessary. 

 This will complete this thread. Take care. I encourage you to continue to work with your therapist.  EWH