Question on Testing/Infection

[oceanseleven]

I have read the welcome and transmission lessons and just have a question regarding whether or not I should get tested in my particular situation.  A bit of sexual history here:

As a bi male, I last had unprotected anal as an insertive partner about 5+ years ago, since then I have had a few other partners and all anal sex with me as either insertive or receptive partner has been with condoms.  Oral has been unprotected.

The last time I have had either anal (protected/insertive) and oral (unprotected) was 2 years ago.  I was tested at 12 weeks and then again at 7 months (doctor insisted that a negative can still turn positive up to a year).  I tested negative on both counts, although I did test positive for hsv-2.  Hsv-2 has been very well controlled with only one major outbreak (during the testing time) and one very minor outbreak a year later.  Nothing since.

After that I practiced celibacy for the past 2 years with no sexual activity at all until this past early March.  I met with someone I had just met on Craigslist and our encounter consisted of mutual masturbation where I believe "some" of his pre-cum might have gotten on my hands/fingers.  While there were no open wounds on my hands that I was aware of, I am a notorious nail-biter (in all senses of the phrase) and there usually are bits of skin that are pulled away from the corner of the nails leaving it somewhat raw and exposed.  Not sure how bad my nails were this particular time, but figured it was worth mentioning.  At no time did any of his ejaculate come into contact me.

Lastly, I did ejaculate into this other individual's mouth with the tip of my penis just barely touching his lips (if at all).  I did use the same hand that had some of his pre-cum on it earlier to masturbate myself with this.

I am now considering getting into a long term relationship.  Is this last encounter something that I should consider getting tested for HIV for?  Do I need to reconsider the past test I had 2 years ago that was at the 7month mark?  Do you need to get tested again at 1 year?

Thanks in advance and I do apologize for what sounds like (after re-reading this) a very stupid series of questions.  I guess i'm just looking forward to getting some piece of mind and finally going into a long-term relationship with a clear conscience.

[RapidRod]

If you haven't had any other exposures than what you stated you are conclusively negative. Before you have unprotected sex with a new friend make sure they have also received a conclusive negative test and were tested outside the window period.

[Ann]

Ocean,

You do not need further hiv testing as nothing since your last test has been a risk.

The window period is three months and has been for years, no matter what your ill-informed doctor may say to the contrary.

Before you stop using condoms with your new partner, you would be prudent to both get checked together for hiv and all the other STIs as well. You need to do this together so you both can be sure 100% of where you stand. He shouldn't take your word for it that you're hiv negative (which you are) any more than you should take his word for it. Test together and remove all doubt.

Ann

[oceanseleven]

Thank you Ann and Rod for your prompt responses.  I would also like to say thanks for the great information this site provides.  There is so much misinformation about hiv spread through the internet and even from clinics and doctors who should know better.  I can honestly say that I have actually learned much more from here than from anywhere and anyone else.  Paranoia is rampant, and certainly has been with me.  Paranoia that had no basis in science and reality.  You guys provide that reality check and that's what more people need, so they can make proper and rational decisions.

Thanks for setting me straight about my encounters.

[Ann]

Ocean,

You're welcome.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple! Read through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use them correctly and with confidence.

Ann