Transmission Risks

[Mva]

Hello,

After having unprotected vaginal sex about 5-6 times with a partner of unknown status I began to Google transmission risks for male to female infection. I found that some websites said that the risk was almost nonexistent while others made me believe I was already HIV positive. My last possible exposure was on December 6, 2011. In all incidents there was pre-cum but no ejaculation. Two weeks ago I developed a sore throat with white spots on my tonsils. I am prone to sore throats in the colder months so I dont know how to feel about this possible "symptom." I plan to be tested at the 3 month mark, but until then I wonder what to believe.

My questions are: Which stats and percentages about transmission should be trusted regarding male to female infections?

If I tested tomorrow, would I get an accurate reading or is it too early? What test would be used earlier than the 3 months?

[Ann]

Mva,

Stats are useless when talking about individual circumstances. We do not bother discussing them here.

It is not clear whether you are a woman or a man. Going by what you're saying about what you found when you Googled, it would seem you're a man but you're saying male to female transmission.

Either way, you have had a risk and you do need to test.

If you are a male, hiv is more difficult to transmit to the male from a female. As the insertive partner, you were at a lower risk.

However if you are a female, your risk is significantly higher as the receptive partner. The receptive partner is always at a higher risk for any STI during unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse.

The earliest you should test is at the six week point, which for you would be next week.

The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six weeks, with the average time to seroconversion being only 22 days. A six week negative is highly unlikely to change, but must be confirmed at the three month point.

You also need to test for all the other, MORE EASILY TRANSMITTED STIs, not just hiv.

You really need to learn from this experience and stop having unprotected intercourse. Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann

[Mva]

Ann,

Thanks for the reply and info. Just to confirm I am a female.

I will indeed get tested some time next week, do you recommend rapid blood testing or just blood testing? The testing center offers both and I'm confused as to which will be the most accurate for me.

[Ann]

Mva,

Rapid tests are every bit as accurate as the tests that take longer. I would recommend you have the rapid test so you do not have to wait and worry until the result comes back.

Ann

[Mva]

Ann,

I took a rapid blood test today (January 18). My last exposure was on December 6th making it 43 days. It came back negative and will hopefully come back negative again when I test again at the three month mark. I will also take your recommendation and get a full panel for other STDs. Thanks for your replies and I will post again when I test conclusively.

Mva

[Andy Velez]

Well given that the average time to seroconversion is 22 days and that all but the very smallest number  those who seroconvert will do so within 4-6 weeks after a risk, your negative result is very happy news.

I expect you to continue to test negative.

[Ann]

Mva,

I also fully expect you to continue to test hiv negative. Good luck with the other tests.

Ann