POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: cjdog100 on March 23, 2019, 10:55:26 am
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Me and this girl been dating for 5 months. She was diagnosed with HIV around mid January, we been having unprotected sex so I got myself test....came back negative...we decided to have sex on the 8 of March...we used protection although being 20 (young and dumb) I licked her clitoris with my tongue, just the tip of it...less than a week later sore throat... BTW she is 19....Doc am I f***ed?
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When did you last engage in unprotected intercourse?
How long after your last unprotected intercourse did you test?
I licked her clitoris with my tongue, just the tip of it...less than a week later sore throat... BTW she is 19....Doc am I f***ed?
Not a HIV concern
Jim
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Last unprotected sex was early-mid January I believe...went to a specialist on February the 22 test came back negative
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Okay.
Look as for the cunnilingus, see the fluid a woman produces when sexually excited comes from the Bartholin's glands, this is a lubricating fluid and does not have any more hiv present than other bodily secretions such as saliva, sweat or tears. Saliva, sweat and tears are not infectious fluids.
Simple Cunnilingus does not meet the biological requirements needed for HIV transmission
As for the unprotected Intercourse that's a risk. Your negative results so far are a good sign however test at 6+ weeks post last time you had unprotected intercourse for a result, this result will rarely ever change however test if you like at 3 months post last exposure for a conculsive result.
Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions. Consider starting PrEP as an additional layer of HIV protection going forward
Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs
Also note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.
More information on HIV Basics, PEP, TaSP and Transmission can be found through the links in my signature to our POZ pages, this includes information on HIV Testing (https://poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/hiv-testing)
Kind regards
Jim
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Doc that good to hear....was scared sh*tless... I told my specialist about the oral thing and I'm taking a test on the 1 of next month and have a appointment 6 months from now with the CDC...never thought of stuff like this when it comes to sex
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6 months is about 25 years out of date. The oral would only be a near negligle concern if your GF has a penis ... I presume that is not the case? So simply test 3 months post last unprotected intercourse for a conclusive result.
What I would also recommend however is that you consider and, talk to your health care provider about PrEP "Pre-exposure prophylaxis,". This is for people who do not have HIV but who are sexually active to add an additional layer of prevention against acquiring HIV. It means taking a pill every day that contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) .
Now Long term once your GF has started Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and has achieved an undetectable viral load* in her blood for at least 6 months, she would not be at risk for sexually transmitting HIV even during unprotected intercourse should that happen. https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71864.0
Best, Jim
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Hey Doc me again that test I took on the 1st was a Negative and my specialist move my disease appointment to the 16th of this month because he thtink it would be best to let theses guy answer my question and to get prep since I'm in a high risk bracket 🤷🏽♂️....one question me and my girl went back at it and I think when I was rubbing her a tiny bit of fluid went in my eye would you recommend taking meds for it? Protected vaginal sex tho and cunnilingus (but not worried about it)
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A bit of fluid sexually or day to day contact from a women in your eye is not an issue. Would be a different story yet still highly rare if she was bleeding to death as in arterial blood spray into your face.
to get prep since I'm in a high risk bracket 🤷🏽♂️....
Look I am glad the results are negative as it gives you peace of mind.
As for the PrEP i agree its a good step to take as you are at risk, its an additional layer of protection because you are sexually active with someone who was only recently diagnosed & condoms can break during intercourse from time to time.
What I would also recommend however is that you consider and, talk to your health care provider about PrEP "Pre-exposure prophylaxis,". This is for people who do not have HIV but who are sexually active to add an additional layer of prevention against acquiring HIV. It means taking a pill every day that contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) .
Now Long term once your GF has started Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and has achieved an undetectable viral load* in her blood for at least 6 months, she would not be at risk for sexually transmitting HIV even during unprotected intercourse should that happen. https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71864.0
Jim
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Cool so another thing they said because her count is low (45k) the guy said she just got it or recenty...they said by the 25th of this month her count should be low or close to normal ranges....might if I can get your opinion on is? Should I just wait 6 months before removing condom or after this appointment count to see if she is in normal range
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You can't tell from the VL how long someone has been living with HIV. It's relatively normal to have a higher VL initially and, again during the later stages of untreated HIV infection. 45k is relatively low.
Anyhow keep using condoms until she is UD (Below 200 copies) for at least 6 months. The blood levels of viral suppression are closely mimicked in the other bodily fluids like genital fluids however it takes time.
A few months of PrEP and condoms is not the end of the world, and its no time at all when you could be spending the rest of your life with her if things go well ;)
Jim
P.S
For example purposes only, HIV infection average time line. Now some poaple will differ or progress faster or slower untreated but its a good representation of the early and late spikes of VL during the stages of infection.
Mine was in the countless millions at some stage.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Hiv-timecourse_copy.svg/729px-Hiv-timecourse_copy.svg.png)
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K,last one about condoms will i know when it will rip?
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If it happens during intercourse it shreds
Jim
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How is your GF doing? I presume from the posts that you are still together?
Jim
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I split the topic.
The new (split) thread in "Someone I care about" is for any questions, updates about your relationship, HIV in general or about caring for your friend etc etc
https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=72198.0
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Hey Doc my girl been wanting to cum in my mouth but nervous cause she doesn't want to harm me....as far as cunnilingus( practically not a risk did it one time when she was bleeding without realizing it months back still till this day negative)and less than this a bj... My thing is would the amount of HIV be a lot higher than her Bartholin's glands fluids if she was to have a orgasm?
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Hiya
If she orgasms or not, it makes no difference from a HIV point of view.
Look during this sex act your going to be dealing with fluids from the Bartholin's glands, and prehaps a bit from the Skene's gland & urine. Its not a HIV concern.
Look all in all, we are just volunteers Living with HIV and rely on the latest peer studies. We offer this volunteer risk assessment as a public service to help educate people regarding safer sex, testing and prevention of HIV transmission. Just as a reminder and to sum things up so far, keep using condoms for any intercourse at least until she has reached with treatment a UD status (Below 200 copies) for at least 6 months. ***
Also consider and, talk to your health care provider about PrEP "Pre-exposure prophylaxis,". I know you have an appointment to discuss PrEP already set-up.
I do want to check a detail with you, how long after the last time you engaged in unprotected intercourse did you test??
Best, Jim
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https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71864.0
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Ok was curious because I know others glands are involved with orgasms....last unprotected was January 21
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You tested 22nd of Feb & April 1st right ?
Okay. cool
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Hey Doc in the heat of the moment after round one I poked her vaginal entrance a couple to tease before I put my condom on. what would be the risk there was no blood at all just vaginal fluid and spit. Even it just the chance that a tiny bit of my head ( urethra) rubbed against her what would be my risk assessment?
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Look if its rubbing against her its not a HIV issue, if you penetrated her its a risk.
BTW Did you look into or talk to your healthcare provider about starting PrEP at least until your GF have been undetectable for 6+ months. ?
Jim
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Turns up ended going to the wrong building because they didn't tell me the right location just the name ::) so I moved it to the 25th of next month just wanted to know if you think I should get on pep..I don't think I penetrated and she said I didn't....and that was 11 hours ago
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Hiya
As much as I would like to give you an answer all I can say is no penetration, no risk. If there was than it's a risk.
If you think you had unprotected penetration than taking PEP or not ultimately is up to you. Do note that if you are considering PEP than it should be started as early as possible no later than 72 hours post incident
Jim
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Ok thank you for the feedback...my question really is would just the tip entering will I be a high risk even if it was just a sec and she is on art or be medium risk? Like it would be just her vaginal fluid getting on my tip?
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I get it, you have doubts & fears but you are asking me the same question just slightly reworded.
Fluids on your penis outside the confines of the human body - No risk. Penetration however meets all the biological conditions required for acquiring HIV. I don't do low, med, high risk. Its either a risk or not.
As much as I would like to give you an answer all I can say is no penetration, no risk. If there was than it's a risk.
Now as for this:#
just the tip entering
Often called "dipping" maybe to sound more innocent, i don't know. What i do know is in terms of risk assessments for HIV its just unprotected intercourse
she is on art
Only for a few weeks/months. Once your partner have been 6+ months UD its not a risk.
Jim
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Ok so I went to the ER to talk to a specialist she told me it's 1 in 10,000 when it comes to dipping but really don't think I penetrated. She said she doesn't recommend Pep but I could go to Plan Parenthood for pep since they don't really treat it...moving forward is Pep safe to take, does it put a toll or damages my lung or heart...i know end the I'm probably not at risk just nervous about taking a chance and playing the waiting game all over again. I was wondering if you would recommend or not recommend
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PEP is relatively safe, now with all medication of course some people have reactions. Although I am not sure where the lung and heart concern comes from as its only for a month and the rest of us take it for life as treatment. If you do start PEP though ask the prescribing doctor about it.
Look if you did dip as you put it than as you were the insertive partner it would be less risk than as example had you been the receiving partner. Its still a risk and we do see the odd transmission case this way.
I will be honest to me it all sounds like nothing happened, no penetration and you are after the incident overthinking things and having "what if" thoughts creating a risk where none occurred. That is however an opinion not based on fact, I was not there in the room with you and its just a gut feeling from your posting.
Best, Jim
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Didn't take prep so I'm playing the waiting game again ...you most likely right.... I'm been over thinking this a lot even asked doctors for a risk assignment for dipping....Wish me luck
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Yeah.
Long term of course your GF will be on medication and, once her viral load has been 6+ months suppressed, sexually there will be no HIV risk to you. Its just taking a little more care & playing it safer until then.
Personally I still do think PrEP would be great option to consider for the time-being.
Best, Jim
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🤦🏾♂️ starting the think I'm as dumb as a bag of rocks....Jim we had sex today...used condoms but for the last 2mins unprotected vaginal...she was undetectable the last appointment on the 25th so I'm going to just assume weeks before that she was undetectable....so a total of 1.5-2 months I should take prep shouldn't I? She told me there's nothing to worry about but thinking about your last post popped into my head I'm scared sh*tless...what should I do?
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Hiya
Look as you were the insertive partner it would be less risk than being the receiving partner as example, as for being UD the Swiss & consensus statement is to be UD for 6 months with good reason as VL blood is measured but it can take longer for genital fluids, besides being new on treatment etc anyhow all it in all the risk was low but it was a risk.
Jim
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Ok, thank you for the risk assignment...ask for Pep what do you think? Or should I just test regularly time?
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Test whenever next due as standard routine.
PEP, well if you want to take PEP over this incident it is totally up to you.
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Ok cool, so it's a low risk and I should still test regularly. I'll take that as the odds in my favor( probably not going to take it if I don't need to)... talking to you guys vs a specialist is way better. Get straight to the point and more importantly the WHY I think we're going to cool it on sex for a bit...... I'll keep you updated....and again thank you
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You're welcome.
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One more thing I would like to add would her bleeding a play a part of my chances or in my case it's just the genitals fluids?
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Not in my assessment, no.
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🤔 ok so I can assume you count for everything in you risk assignment but I forgot one because I wasn't to sure..plus she is mad that I think I'm at risk ( saying I don't trust her) so I told her about your post
2 mins
I believed finished inside
Blood but (UD)
Vaginal fluids <--- is this where my risk at ?
I have a appointment on the 25th of March I'll probably ask for prep moving forward in case we decide to have another go
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Hiya
It's not an issue of trust, sorry to hear she can't see that right now.
Look as you were the insertive partner it would be less risky than being the receiving partner as example, as for being UD the Swiss & consensus statement is to be UD for 6 months with good reason as VL blood is measured but it can take longer for genital fluids, besides being new on treatment etc, anyhow all it in all the risk was a very low but it was a risk.
If I was to give you any other risk assessment it would be wrong.
As for PrEP its up to you. Ultimately is just adding an additional layer of protection over the next few months, in addition to peace of mind.
Jim
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Crap meant to say my appointment is on August the 25 but yeah I'ma take your eariler advice on prep and definitely keep condom on...I recommend this site to her just in case she needed it to talk to someone being newly diagnosed and all.... I'll keep you updated
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Hiya
Your partner is more than welcome to join the forum and, seek support from the members.
Look my experience is that being newly diagnosed can be a lot to digest. For some it can mean coming to terms with certain feelings & thoughts or its a time that can bring doubts to the surface. This is all next to having to deal with doctors, appointments, taking medication, insurance, financial concerns etc etc etc, it can be a lot for newly diagnosed people to cope with.
You as the negative partner have your own concerns & doubts, I get it and, you are perfectly entitled to them. Although probably the last thing your partner needs at the moment is the added stress of a nervous BF, so do try to keep that in mind.
Jim
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You're right I see where you are coming from Jim. I definitely wouldn't want to make things harder on her
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Back again, question so my headache and pain Im feeling I had during my negative tests but my concern is the weird feeling in my hands...and sometimes spasms every so often no lump or anything swollen just the weird feeling in my hands it doesn't hurt or nothing and I understand my risk was a low risk but this whole thing killing my mood and i dont want to talk to her about it for obvious reasons. Also that post I made about the "dipping" she was undetectable on that day ( appointment day)
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Hiya
You need to stop letting your fears get the better of your thinking. I've answered already the unprotected intercourse question (see below quote) now, as for feeling sick nothing you mentioned is HIV specific. Instead of stressing simply see your GP and treat whatever is making you sick
:) :)
Look as you were the insertive partner it would be less risky than being the receiving partner as example, as for being UD the Swiss & consensus statement is to be UD for 6 months with good reason as VL blood is measured but it can take longer for genital fluids, besides being new on treatment etc, anyhow all it in all the risk was a very low but it was a risk.
If I was to give you any other risk assessment it would be wrong.
As for PrEP its up to you. Ultimately is just adding an additional layer of protection over the next few months, in addition to peace of mind.
Jim
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My fear coming from the unknown... headache, joint, spasm, and stomach now my hand so that's what got me on egde and 4out of 5 ive been already feeling don't feel sleepy or feel like vomiting just keep thinking about the 6 months after the undetectable but at the same time I'm like some take 6 months to get undetectable so is that why that's the general rule? Definitely over thinking things right now
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Blood levels closely correlate to genital fluids although it can take longer to reach UD in other fluids, it's one of the reasons that first a person living with HIV on treatment should reach UD and than remain UD for 6 months more before It's sexual untransmittable. (Of course they need to continue to take treatment to maintain that status after that as well)
My fear coming from the unknown... headache, joint, spasm, and stomach now my hand so that's what got me on egde and 4out of 5 ive been already feeling don't feel sleepy or feel like vomiting
Unknown is always part of life, normally I presume you cope with it like most people, don't actively think about it and move on. It's just you have had a fright and, are overly concentrated (can't help you with that)
As for feeling ill simply see a GP and, treat it, stop stressing about it
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Right... I'ma try to put that in the back of my head and move forward with life...you guys are very helpful with your risk assessments I'll take what I learned here these past couple of months and "try" to play it more reasonable for now on
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Hi,
Look I do wish you all the best so don't get me wrong, but if its continued fears and, you are unable to shake them, than perhaps consider speaking to someone equipped to support you face to face like a therapist.
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I wouldn't say my fear is at that extent but yeah I might give that a go. Anyhow thx Jim
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Ok I really do need to see someone....so about my hand far away it's fine but when I bring it closer to my eyes it looks a little blue in the middle of my hand....i haven't been on any sites about symtoms and my hands possibly always been like that and I've notice other people's hands look like that too. Can't think properly at all right now 😂
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Jim I have "very" important questions to ask you.
* what is the likely hood you can by infected via needle like the HIV+ is doing your hair and they pricked themselves( blood )and than accidental pricked your head
* can HIV show up in 3 days and does having a auto immune already makes it show up faster because of your already weak immune system or would it take a lot long than the Avg. person?
I know these are very dumb to ask but this is really important
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1 & 2 - No
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BTW Why was someone sticking a needle in you hair?
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Been years since I last been in this page. I had sexual intercourse with my friend we have past history ( post from 2019). I had insertive vaginal sex without a condom in the heat of the moment. She shown me her tested results which she was undetectable in April at the time. Fast forward I’ve been having a burning sensation on my arm, legs, and etc. Plus a rash only on the inside of my elbow ( both). She told me it must be from working out in 100 degrees weather and I been dehydrated badly. Im taking full panel test today which would be 28 days from last sexual encounter. My two questions would be would my test be a decent indicator or am I testing to soon? Is it possible for her to have a blip ( she had a virus around the time) that could’ve make her transmissible during our encounter. Encounter was June 21st
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Hiya,
If they have had a suppressed viral load (below 200 copies) for six+ months, and have continued to take their meds; they can not pass on HIV sexually. https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=71864.0
Is it possible for her to have a blip ( she had a virus around the time) that could’ve make her transmissible during our encounter.
UD doesn't mean zero copies and having a suppressed viral load it isn't a straight line. Intermittent/transient blips happen in bloodwork all the time for PLHIV, including defective HIV copies released from the viral reservoir that you could argue are incorrectly counted; intermittent/transient blips are not an issue and will not result in HIV being passed on sexually.
In short, if they had a suppressed viral load (below 200 copies) for the six+ months required, the realistic issue would be if they stopped taking their meds or are taking them haphazardly.
I had insertive vaginal sex without a condom
To confirm your HIV status, test at six weeks post potential exposure with a blood-draw (lab) HIV antibody test. The result at this time will rarely change, and retesting at three months generally isn't needed.
I’ve been having a burning sensation on my arm, legs, and etc. Plus a rash only on the inside of my elbow ( both).
See your healthcare provider and treat it instead of stressing about it.
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Ok, thank you for the info. Few more questions so June 21st wasn’t true it was actually June 16th. So I got test on the 18th by the Duo 4th generation( 32 days after exposure)…. Would this be a good indicator for negative results ? Also one of the health people I was talking to had me take the RNA test on the 1st of August to have a confirmed result. The symptoms I experienced wouldn’t relate to HIV ( would you mind explaining)?
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The symptoms I experienced wouldn’t relate to HIV ( would you mind explaining)?
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Not sure what you want me to explain.
The symptoms were not caused by HIV but by something else, and the last time you posted, I, therefore, recommended that you see your healthcare provider and treat it instead of stressing about it.
As for testing, I already answered this in my previous post.
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If you don't trust your friend to take their meds and are going to panic and test each time you have sex with them, then maybe it's not a good fit for you. Stop having sex with them and find someone else.
I hope you are not bothering your friend with your concerns, as that would not be healthy mentally/emotionally for them.
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I had a talk with her soon as I noticed the rash. We had a sit down talk and came to an understanding
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Okay. Well, I hope you can stop stressing.
Best, Jim.
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Thanks Jim….I think this was be my last question about the RNA test. I was told im out of the window period for it and the result I would get back would be a conclusive result(sensitivity)would that be the case? June16th -Aug1?
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You don't need an RNA test, and I am not recommending it for screening post-potential exposure or going to speculate on the results.
As for testing, I already answered this in my previous post.
To confirm your HIV status, test at six weeks post potential exposure with a blood-draw (lab) HIV antibody test. The result at this time will rarely change, and retesting at three months generally isn't needed.
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I already paid for it….mind telling me why you don’t recommend it for post exposure. Also I have little bumps on both hands and a purplish rash on my hand. Is that not something related to HIV? It happens 2 weeks after my encounter but I also work in the sun all day. I already went to the hospital to get myself looked at and they just told me to get some OTC meds.Because it not rash that’s spreading all over my body. I’m honestly using this form instead of going to her panicking.
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Also I have little bumps on both hands and a purplish rash on my hand. Is that not something related to HIV?
See your healthcare provider and treat it. Its nothing to do with your HIV status.
I already went to the hospital to get myself looked at and they just told me to get some OTC meds.Because it not rash that’s spreading all over my body.
If it's not getting better, go back to your healthcare provider.
I’m honestly using this form instead of going to her panicking.
I'm not a therapist, and I presume with "she" you mean the women you had sex with. Well, it's good you are not bothering her with your fears/problems.
You had sex, and if she takes her meds and was UD for 6+ months, it was Zero HIV risk to you.
I already paid for it….mind telling me why you don’t recommend it for post exposure
Mainly because it's a waste of resources and money and they tend to run an HIV1 RNA test (worse would be an HIV DNA test) and miss to test for HIV2, false results etc.
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This is what I recommend:
1) Don't sleep with her again! You clearly can't handle being physical with PLHIV, and the stress it causes you and others isn't worth it.
2) Consider talking to a therapist, prehaps that will help you with these fears, and maybe someday you will be more comfortable being physical with someone living with HIV.
3) Control yourself and start using condoms correctly and consistently. Consider PrEP as an additional layer of HIV prevention and for peace of mind.
4) If I believe that the woman is taking her meds and has been UD for 6+ months, there was zero HIV risk to you. However, I can't confirm that, so as it's been more than six weeks since the encounter, get an antibody HIV lab test; it's relatively cheap and easy, and then put this behind you.
Don't post about this again; thank you!