POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: VeryWorriedUK on January 31, 2008, 07:57:46 pm
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Hi,
Before I start, I would like to thank everyone who is going to be answering this before hand.
My situation is as follows. I recently had an encounter with another man of unknown HIV status. I was determined on playing it relatively safe and made sure it didn't go any further than oral sex and mutual masturbation. (I am going to go in some detail now and I apologize) The problem is he cam before I did and I continued masturbating for another 5 to 10 minutes. I didn't use his semen as lube or anything but did touch him while I masturbated (so I am nearly sure I got some on my hand). When it was all done I wiped myself off and went and washed up (usually wash up everywhere but can't remember if I did this time). I did shower when I got home and noticed a small (2-3 mm) cut on the head of my penis (am circumcised). I am sure it happened while I was with him (probably his teeth). It wasn't deep and wasn't bleeding at the time but I can't say for sure it didn't bleed while I was with him. It scabbed the next day. It has been three weeks since the encounter and suprise, surprise I have been feeling lethargic (nothing to extreme - still work and go to the gym just feeling tired a lot quicker) developed a low grade fever today (only 37.27 C but my usual temp is around 36.5). I am sure I am paying too much attention to these symptoms which makes absolutely no sense as they could indicate anything.
My question now is how high was my risk? The reason I am worried is because with Oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex they always say all it takes is a little cut? Does that increase the risk of mutual masturbation to those levels? And another thing I was wondering - I am planning on taking an HIV duo test at 5 weeks (they say it is 99.8% accurate at 28 days - nearly the same accuracy as the Elisa test at 3 months?). HIV duo tests for HIV 1 and 2 and p24 antigen. So is that test as conclusive as an Elisa at three months?
Would appreciate any feedback. I know its probably just my head playing with me but still worried.
Thank you again
Marc
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You didn't have a risk at all.
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Thanks for the quick response. I am not going to lie and will probably still check - even if just for the fact that I don't take my temperature and worry when it fluctuates in normal ranges.
What about the HIV Duo vs. Elisa? I don't want to be wasting anyones time and knowing that my case is very, very, very low risk to no risk at all I hope I don't offend people with more serious worries.
Best,
Marc
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Rod is quite correct when he says you were not at risk and that you do not need to test for HIV. HIV is not transmitted via oral sex and/or mutual masturbation.
The Duo test is an ELISA test.
Please take the time to read our Welcome Thread (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=220.0) and follow the links to our Lessons to learn more about how HIV is and is not transmitted.
MtD
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I did read them and I already apologized for posting a low risk question but I am still anxious. In a way I was looking for reassurance and to be told I am being irrational, so I guess thank you. I am bisexual, not out and can't talk to anyone about this so that is why I turned to here. So the whole semen/sexual fluid coming into contact with broken skin is just a precaution by the CDC and other institutions?
I am not an expert on HIV tests, so I probably was wrong in comparing DUO tests to Elisa, but slightly confused why one is only reliable after three months and the other after 28 days. Just wanted to make sure the claim isn't false. The clinic is a good one, but just making sure:
http://www.freedomhealth.co.uk/article_hiv_test_and_testing_london_uk_332.aspx
Thanks
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Very,
The issue here is your acceptance of your sexuality. You've swallowed the propaganda concerning hiv hook, line and sinker. You weren't at risk. Here's what you need to know to keep yourself hiv negative:
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 with a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.
Have a look through all three 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
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Thank you for everyone who has posted on here and taken the time to answer my question.
There is a few things I want to get off my chest though:
1 - I am completely happy and fine with my sexuality. This has absolutely nothing to do with it. I am 24 years old, have been in relationships (not at the same time) with both sexes for years now and am not forcing myself to be one thing or the other. I would be just as worried if I had unprotected sex with a woman of unknown status. Its not very nice to jump to assumptions - just because there is a stigma applied to bi people (closet gay men etc. etc.) it doesn't apply to all - not one glove fits all.
2 - Which brings me to my second point - Thank you for the links Ann but I don't have unprotected sex. Condoms can break though (even if you follow all the rules) and if I was (which I now know I wasn't) dumb enough to put myself at risk, I wouldn't want anyone else to pay for it. If I was having rampant unprotected sex, would I be worried about transmission through semen/cut contact during mutual masturbation?
3 - I did read the welcome post, however, as a cut in the skin isn't the norm for mutual masturbation, I was just making sure whether it would change the risk level. I was hoping to, like i said so many times, reassure myself. I can't but feel that the reactions were all dismissive. Wouldn't it be more foolish of me to just disregard something I am not educated about and continue being sexually active?
4 - I didn't buy into propaganda - I never at one point said BUT IT SAID THIS, and IT SAID THAT (unless the window period is propaganda - which again, if it is, I apologize I am by no means an expert). I was simply asking questions - with all the propaganda out there, the only way to learn would be that way. On that point, I would still appreciate an answer on the DUO vs. regular test - regardless of whether people deem it appropriate for me to have one.
5 - Which brings me to my fifth point - I am no expert on this issue (in part maybe because I am extremely careful and try my best not to put myself at risk), which is why I came on here for help. I did read up on it and if propaganda is the majority of what I found then I don't think I can be blamed for that. Again, that is why I wanted to talk to people who seemed to be very aware and educated on this issue.
6 - I do have regular STD check ups - the last one actually just last year in November and it all came back negative. I am aware that my sexuality carries greater risks for transmitting things like Chlamydia (which might not greatly affect me) to women - which can be a lot more damaging for them.
Either way - I appreciate everyones input and apologize again for posting a no risk situation - as I clearly irritated some people by it.
Thanks
Best
Marc
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Marc,
It's unfortunate that you are not happy with the advice that you've received. We here at AIDSmeds are not in the business of making assumptions and I can assure you that we have strict policies about not judging nor coming to unfounded conclusions about an individual's sexual identity.
I am completely happy and fine with my sexuality. This has absolutely nothing to do with it. I am 24 years old, have been in relationships (not at the same time) with both sexes for years now and am not forcing myself to be one thing or the other. I would be just as worried if I had unprotected sex with a woman of unknown status. Its not very nice to jump to assumptions - just because there is a stigma applied to bi people (closet gay men etc. etc.) it doesn't apply to all - not one glove fits all.
I would suggest to you that you might want to be careful before you lecture Ann about bi-sexuality. You may be jumping to conclusions yourself.
If you always have protected sex then you have no need to worry about contracting HIV. Mutual masturbation is not a risk behaviour in terms of HIV transmission. Even if you do have a cut or graze on your penis.
Whether or not you have yourself tested for HIV is a matter for you. We're simply telling you that testing is not warranted in your case given the sexual behaviours you report. All you need to know about the Duo test is that it is an approved diagnostic ELISA test which, like all ELISA tests, has a 12 week window period.
We recommend that all sexually active adults have regular STD screening because it's a good habit to get into. Many STD's are far more prevalent and transmissible than HIV. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be transmitted via unprotected oral sex, whereas HIV cannot be. Other STD's such as genital warts and genital herpes are transmitted via skin-to-skin contact and it's possible to be infected with these on genital areas which are not covered by latex condoms.
Further, no one was irritated by your questions. We are merely in the business of providing people with the unvarnished truth in a civil and straight forward manner. If this offends your sensibilities, then that's matter for you.
I hope this helps clarify things somewhat.
MtD
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Very,
As Matty has alluded to, I happen to be bi myself. No judgements here. I just call 'em as I see 'em.
You haven't had a risk. The sooner you come to grips with that, the better off we'll all be.
Ann
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MtD - Thank you for your reply. It does clarify some things. I didn't jump to any conclusions about Ann's sexuality or personal life. I am not in the position to do that - especially not after a few posts. Regardless though, there is sadly more of a stigma applied to bi men then there is to women. I admit with my reaction to such an exposure probably borders on hypochondria - but with infections such as HIV in the equation, I think that it might be somewhat justified. With being a little over emotional - it is extremely late here and I am still up working :) might have to do with that.
Ann - If the "I just call 'em as I see 'em" is again trying to imply this has anything to do with the security in my sexuality - then you truly are passing judgement. I am not going to try to convince you of something which really only affects me, especially because you are in no position to question it. In my second post I thought I made it clear I came to "grips" with the reality of it being no risk - the posts after that were explaining my unfounded fear - and I can only apologize if I infringed on your ability to be "better off" by posting a few posts.
Best regards and good night
Marc
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Marc,
Gee, we have so much in common! I'm also in the UK; the Isle of Man for me. I know how late it is. I'm up too. ::)
You admit your reaction borders on hypochondria. I took a guess at why. Maybe you should do the same.
You didn't have a risk. End of story.
Ann
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And you still picked on a fellow resident of the British Isles ;)
I am on the border of England/Wales - not from there but live there - and no it isn't true what they claim about what we do to sheep here ;D
I honestly appreciate the fact that you even took the time to answer my posts. My hypochondria is just part of my slightly cautious, yes I admit even paranoid, nature - I am the type to think that I also am lucky enough to have the roller coaster fail on me at Alton Towers, plane crash, etc. I always have this paranoia that I can be unlucky enough. Not the best mindset and usually I deal with it, but like I said with HIV it's something I don't want to take chances with at all - ever.
Hope you have a good day on this freezing day! You won't be getting snow down there will you?
Take care and all the best
Marc
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Marc,
It's hailing as I write. And it's bloody cold!
You might want to think about seeing a counselor for your paranoia issues. You really don't have to live like that.
Remember, you didn't have a risk in anything you brought to us.
Ann
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Hey Ann,
Do agree about seeing the counselor. Have played with the idea for a while now because liked you said I don't want to live like that and its not healthy.
Right then, guess that has my question answered.
Wish all of you all the best and would like to applaud you people for all you do here - it is truly amazing and very comforting to many.
Do I delete my thread now that is not needed anymore?
Wishing you all the best, good health and happiness
Marc
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No, your thread doesn't get deleted, Marc.
Along with it being a response to you, others are likely to read the exchanges and hopefully benefit from them.
Cheers,