really worried

[highsteppin]

I am trying not to worry.  On average I have visited adult bookstores and performed oral about 4 or 5 times a year on random men for 10+ years  I have had anal sex once with a condom.  One time at an adult bookstore a man tried to enter me anally without a condom and after 20 or 30 seconds I stopped him.  I'm not sure if he entered me, I never felt any pain.  Anyway, this week I develop oral thrush.  After 4 days it started to get better on its own.  This was the same day I visited the doctor.  After 2.5 day of taking an antifungal symptoms are pretty much gone.  I looked through the factors that contribute to thrush and I can't find any that could explain why I got it, accept maybe stress or HIV.  I plan to get tested but I am really worried.  My last test was negative about 6 years ago.

Should I be worried?  thanks in advance

[Jeff G]

The only way to know if you are infected is to test and not from non specific symptoms . Its not clear from your post if you tested after the possible brief unprotected anal sex so I will I will give you the testing window period .

The average time to seroconversion is 22 days. Most who are infected will test positive by 6 weeks. For various reasons a small number will take longer and that is why we follow the CDC recommendation to test at 3 months for a conclusive negative result.

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. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

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

[Jeff G]

In addition I live in an area with seemingly low HIV infection rates at about 2.5 per 100,000.  In my county of about 50,000 people there with an average of about 1 reported HIV case per year over the last 4 years.  Also, I rarely let them finish in my mouth

You only have 3 free post so use them well .

[highsteppin]

Jeff,

Thank You for the reply.  I don't mind paying to post more.  Now I am really freaked out.  I assume having thrush is a really bad sign?   And no I was not tested after the incident where he tried to enter me.

[Jeff G]

You symptoms are not specific to hiv so do not make too much of them . Since you haven't tested for a while now is the time to do so for peace of mind and because it's the responsible thing to do . Its in your favor that the insertion was brief and your partner did not ejaculate in you . You do not need to buy a subscription as there is nothing more to discuss or that we can help you with . Just test at 6 weeks past any possible exposure and again at 3 months to confirm it .

[highsteppin]

I plan to test asap.  I have not had any other symptoms.  Is it likely that thrush could appear without any other indications?  thanks again

[Jeff G]

If you are sick go see your doctor ... thrush infections happen for many other reasons than HIV .

[highsteppin]

Thanks again,

I guess there is probably nothing you can tell me to ease my mind.  I just feel awful.

[Jeff G]

You are correct . There is really not much else to say . If I were you I would avoid the internet and do something with your time other than reading about HIV . We are volunteers here that give of our time and although we care that you are suffering anxiety there is nothing we can do about we can only offer so much before it starts to go in endless circles .

 

[highsteppin]

I was not sure where to post this.  I am truly sorry if this is in the wrong place.  I am also sorry if I am assuming too much with this but I just want to get as much information as I can.  I am seeing PC doctor tomorrow so a follow up on treatment for Thrush (Esophical I believe).  I am certainly going to ask to be tested for HIV.  From research I believe there is a very good chance I may see a positive test .

If I am positive and having thrush how concerned should I be that things have progressed?

Not sure how to ask this, I assume I would to see a specialist very quickly if that is that case?  Should I also look for the quickest testing option as well? 

I live in a small community and fear people finding out my testing and the results.  The nurse at the doctors office live right up the street from me,  I know this vague, but how to ensure privacy? 

[Jeff G]

Please only post in this one thread no matter how long between visits or subject matter, you can find this thread by going to your profile and selecting show own post and it will take you here .

There is nothing we can do about your anxiety, if there were we gladly would . I cant answer hypothetical questions like the ones you just asked, we deal in facts .

Healthcare providers must obey HIPAA laws and regulations , if you do not trust in that I don't know what else to tell you ... check this out .  http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/summary/index.html . Wish I could help more but this it .