POZ Community Forums

HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: darock on November 18, 2006, 04:17:52 pm

Title: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: darock on November 18, 2006, 04:17:52 pm
Hi all,

I have a question. 11 weeks ago I had my first unprotected sexual encounter with a female. I always wore condoms before but thanks to a bunch of alcohol I didn't this time. After about a month ago I noticed I had Genital warts and went to the dr to confirm. He did confirm and then I asked him if I should get tested for HIV and told him about my story and he said I was probably fine but if I wanted to get tested he would. I decided not to and left. He gave me condylox and the warts went away after 2 days. Then I became paranoid that I possibly got HIV from this girl. So I decided to get the Home Access test. I went ahead and sent it in after 10 weeks to the exact day from the possible exposure and it came back negative. My question is, do I need to test again in 3 weeks? Is the Home Access test as accurate as it says on the box? I've read 10 different "window periods" on the internet from 6 weeks to 6 months. Someone please be kind enough to offer me some guidance or assurance as I am still scared even after testing negative. Thank you for your time.
Title: Re: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: Andy Velez on November 18, 2006, 06:05:46 pm
The CDC does recommend testing at 13 weeks. Given that you had a single unprotected incident, that you have tested negative at 10 weeks and HIV is not easy to transmit, especially from female to male, I would consider a 13 week test to be a slam dunk.

But why have any lingering doubts. Re-test and collect another negative so that you can consider the matter closed.

And of course in the future make sure no matter whom you are with, if you're having intercourse that you use a latex condom. Mixing drinking and casual sex is a dangerous combo to be avoided.

I think you will come out of this ok.

Cheers,
Title: Re: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: darock on November 20, 2006, 05:39:19 pm
One more question. I read on another website that the Home access test is a 1st generation test and therfor widens the window period from 3 months to 6 months? Is this true? I was going to take the home test again at 13 weeks but I won't if this is in fact true. Can anyone confirm or not?
Title: Re: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: Ann on November 20, 2006, 06:19:15 pm
da,

ANY FDA approved hiv antibody test - including Home Access - is conclusive at THREE months, not six. At three months the generation does not matter.

The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six WEEKS, regardless of test generation. The newer generations only really matter when it comes to picking up an infection in the very early weeks.

It's highly unlikely that your ten week test result will change.

Ann
Title: Re: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: darock on November 29, 2006, 10:06:17 am
One more question and thanks again for your help. I tested again with the home access test at 13 weeks which came back negative. I spoke with one of the counselors who told me that I needed to be tested again at 6 months if I had a weak immune sytem due to cancer etc. Well, I had chemotherapy 3 and a half years ago due to Hodgkins disease but didn't think that would affect my testing at the 3 month window period. Does anyone here know a answer for this? Is seh mistaken. I figured it that would be the case for someone currently on chemotherapy not if they had it 3 almost 4 years ago. Everytime I think I am in the clear something else seems too happen. Thanks again for your time.
Title: Re: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: Ann on November 29, 2006, 10:09:34 am
da,

The chemotherapy thing only concerns people CURRENTLY on chemotherapy. Your past treatment will not affect you now.

You are reliably hiv negative and it's time you moved on with your life. Make sure you always use condoms for intercourse and you'll continue to avoid hiv infection.

Ann
Title: Re: 10 weeks after possible exposure
Post by: darock on November 29, 2006, 10:15:35 am
Thank you very much for your help Ann and happy holidays to you and your family.