Why did new doctor order STD blood tests

[RabidRabbit]

I had sex with a woman of an unknown HIV status who admitted to having slept with another person before me. In both instances, no condoms were used. This happened 12 months ago. I had symptoms of an STD infection (chlamydia or gonorrhea) and have been given a strong dose of antibiotics. Also had viral symptoms for 1-2 days of a kind never experienced before. Not severe, but odd.

At 35 days after the sex encounter I took a 4th gen HIV test which turned negative. Urine test for all STI's turned negative as well. At 110 days post event, I took another 4th gen HIV test which turned negative. All blood tests for STDs turned negative as well.

I mentioned all these to my new doctor during the annual checkup and he recommended another full std test, at 12 months post event! I started getting worried sick. Why would he do that? Doesn't he trust the test results because they were taken abroad? Am I not in the clear yet?

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

You have conculsive tested negative post exposure.

If what you posted is true than the HIV test result will remain negative.

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 acquiring far easier to transmit 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

Kind regards

Jim

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[RabidRabbit]

Hello
Thank you for your fast response. I thought the same, I had a hard time following the event for a few months, anxiety and guilt-ridden etc. And I was moving on until the doctor said I should take the tests again. This brought back all my HIV phobia. Either he doesn't trust/ believe me - although I offered to show him my test results as I have them saved on my phone, to boost my morale every time I feel low.

Why would you say if what I posted were true? Regarding the timeline? Or further exposures? All the information is 100% true regarding test results, timelines, and exposures. I m not sure I described the symptoms correctly though. Do you think he ordered the tests not as routine, but as a way to make me get over this HIV phobia? Should I wait until he scheduled me to take the tests, or should I go to GUM and get tested tomorrow?

Thanks, I won't insist any further, I was keeping my HIV fears under control until the doctor reactivated it.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya

It's simple you have a conculsive negative HIV test result over the encounter 12 months ago. Nothing you think or feel will change that, no matter how much guilt you have or irrational fears!

So if what you posted was the only sexual encounter in a year than this result now will remain negative!

Testing people is routine, every (good) doctor does it regardless of what poeple claim.

We even tell people poeple to test routinely and at least yearly regardless of what they claim as both real world and studies show people incorrect claim they had no sex or risks when in fact they did but don't want to admit it or don't understand what a risk is.

 Hence a good doctor should and does test, also it's routine to at least test yearly so perfectly normal.

Few years ago my father who could not walk at that stage due to illness let alone fuck was tested by a doctor
for HIV simplyy because he had not been tested in a while and he has a penis

Relax, you are getting a test, no panic, overthinking or drama required, move on with your life

Jim

[RabidRabbit]

Hahahaha
I lol-ed at your dad story.
Now it all makes sense. OK, so I ll go get tested. Thanks for your help!

(Although now you got me thinking what if I had further exposures - I remember years ago I got stuck by a needle from my dad's blood transfusion , and I went to the doctors and asked them if my own dad had HIV, despite they fact he was due for surgery and I knew all his bloods, including HIV status  )

But ^ regardless, you calmed me down. Everyone who s got a penis must be tested. True. Thanks man

[Jim Allen]

Yup, it's normal routine.

You're welcome.

Jim