[Question #9368] Confused about HIV 2 window period
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33 months ago
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Hello
I had a brief unprotected sex with a guy whom I dated for a while. Later after a week, I got unusual mentruation. Very less blood for 3 days like spotting and suddenly on 4 th day it increased and lasted till 7 days. It never happened before. He is from india and I asked him to get tested and he said he doesn’t require any testing and when I asked him again he blocked me.
I got tested with hiv 4th gen ag/ab combo test on 43rd day and on 52nd day. Both were negative. Also for other STI’s I tested negative.
So are my both the test conclusive for both HIV 1 and 2?
Because I saw on internet that HIV 2 has different window period 90 days and I can’t wait till that long, my anxiety is killing me.
I asked for HIV 2 because it is quite prevelant in India as per reports.
Is my test on 52nd day rule out both HIV 1 and 2? Do I need re testing ?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
33 months ago
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Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your questions. I’ll be glad to provide information which I hope will be helpful to you. While HIV-2 is more common in India than in western Europe and North America, it is still a minority of all HIV infections there. Reports from India are sporadic but in general over 95% of HIV in India discussed by HIV-1, not HIV-2.
Irrespective of the type of infection, most unprotected sexual exposures to infected partners do not result in infection. In fact, 99.9% of unprotected exposures to an HIV infected, untreated partner do not lead to infection. Further, while apparently your partner has blocked you, it remains statistically unlikely that he had HIV of any sort. Nonetheless, testing for HIV and other STI‘s certainly a reasonable and advisable practice following sex with a new partner. In your case, your recent HIV tests are entirely conclusive and rule out any possibility that you have HIV of any sort. You can believe those test results and there is no need to repeat them.
Finally, I can assure you that there are noted to suggest that recently acquired HIV infection causes changes in the pattern of menstruation.
I hope this information is helpful to you, as well as reassuring. You could be confident you did not acquire HIV of any sort from the exposure you describe. If any part of my response is unclear or there are additional questions, please feel free to use your attitude follow ups for clarification. EWH
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33 months ago
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Thank you for your prompt reply, Sir.
I didn’t understood this statement of yours “ Finally, I can assure you that there are noted to suggest that recently acquired HIV infection causes changes in the pattern of menstruation.”
I started to get concerned because I saw my periods after sex were like spotting for 3 days and suddenly increased with heavy flow for 7 days and my usual menstrual flow is for 4 days max.
I feel extremely guilty of my act with this guy. As I am in relationship with someone, it was not going smoothly and then I decided to date someone. Now this guilt feeling is killing me.
Sir so I’m just confirming that with my 43rd and 52nd day of testing with HIV AG/Ab combo, I do not need to test again ?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
33 months ago
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I apologize for the typographical error. Sometimes the auto spell feature gets me. I meant to say, “ There is nothing to suggest that recently acquired HIV affects the menstrual cycle or menses”
Please put any concerns you might have about HIV-1 or HIV-2 aside. You have conclusively proven that you were not infected. EWH
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33 months ago
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Thank you sir.
I just want to ask that do I need to do HIV 2 specific test or not? Am I conclusively negative for both type of HIV infection at 52nd day of testing ? And can I resume unprotected sex with my boyfriend who would be my husband ?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
33 months ago
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There is no need for a specific test for HIV-2. The test you have already had tests reliably for HIV-2 antibodies. Your results are conclusive and there is no reason for further testing. There is also no reason to abstain from unprotected sex with your regular partner. You do not have HIV-2.
It is time for you to move forward without continuing concerns.
As you know, we provide up to three responses to each clients questions. This is my third response and therefore this thread will be closed shortly without further responses.
Take care. Please don’t worry. EWH
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