Test Results 9.5 weeks after unprotected sex with HIV+

[64536453]

Hello

I recently had unprotected insertive vaginal sex with an ex, who just days later tested positive for HIV.  The basic facts of our encounters are the following:

- 2 different occasions of unprotected vaginal intercourse without condoms, involving sex a total of 3 times, once very short, twice for a longer duration of a few minutes each time.  The last sexual encounter was approx 9 weeks ago.

- Prior to these encounters, I tested negative for HIV and all other STDs

- I am circumcised

- The window within which she could have been infected was within the last year, with her first lab tests coming back with lower than average viral load, according to her doctor.

- Her current boyfriend, who has had far more sexual contact with her during the last few months, tested negative after finding out her status.

As I have read, insertive vaginal is comparatively lower on the risk scale, but obviously considering the circumstances a test is a must, my questions are the following:

1) How much of a factor is me being circumcised in avoiding infection in this case?
2) Is her lower than average viral load a factor in my favor?
3) Does the fact that her current partner tested negative give any indications as to my possible test results?
4) Is there any value in testing at the 9 week mark? I know I would have to test again at 13 weeks, in the case of a negative result at 13 weeks, should I test again at 6 months, due to the confirmed HIV+ status of my partner?

Thanking you in advance...

[Ann]

64,

1. The jury is still pretty much out on exactly how much difference it makes. I was with an UNcircumcised man for a year and a half before my diagnosis and we never used condoms. He tested hiv negative. We stayed together a few more years, using condoms, and he remained hiv negative and is negative to this day.

2. Lower viral load equals lower risk, but not no risk.

3. You cannot know your own status going by someone else's result. You're just going to have to test and find out for yourself.

4. If you want to test now for peace of mind, go for it. We often advise people to test initially at six weeks. The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six weeks, with the average time to seroconversion being only 22 days.

A six week (or more) negative must be confirmed at the three month point, but is highly unlikely to change.

No, you do not need to test again at six months if you test negative at three months. The window period has been three months for years now and it makes no difference whether the other person's hiv status is known or not.

You have every chance of coming out of this ok. Go test, ok?

Ann

[64536453]

Thanks for the quick response, Ann, and the words of encouragement.  I'm definitely going to get tested. 

[64536453]

Hello Again

I recently posted about my situation, here it is again summarized:
**********************************************************************
I recently had unprotected insertive vaginal sex with an ex, who just days later tested positive for HIV.  The basic facts of our encounters are the following:

- 2 different occasions of unprotected vaginal intercourse without condoms, involving sex a total of 3 times, once very short, twice for a longer duration of a few minutes each time.  The last sexual encounter was approx 9 weeks ago.

- Prior to these encounters, I tested negative for HIV and all other STDs

- I am circumcised

- The window within which she could have been infected was within the last year, with her first lab tests coming back with lower than average viral load, according to her doctor.
********************************************************************

Just today I received my negative test result at 9 weeks, I realize that I have to test again at 13 weeks in order to have my definitive result, but I have the following questions:

1) What % of people have already seroconverted at the 9 week mark?
2) What factors contribute to later seroconversion?  I am 29, relatively fit, exercise regularly, no drugs, rarely drink, overall in good health, with no immune system issues that I know of.  The only meds I take are for hair loss.
3) Has anyone on this forum ever heard of someone testing negative at 9 weeks then positive at 13 weeks?
4) Unless I am understanding incorrectly, this is my last post before having to pay, considering the circumstances of my situation (the confirmed HIV+ status of my partner) is it possible that the moderator will allow me 1 more post, at least to report my final test results in 4 weeks time?

Thanks again

[Ann]

64,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep everything in one thread. It doesn't matter how long it has been since you last posted in your thread or if the subject matter is different.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.



1. Honestly? I don't know the exact percentages and I doubt very much that anyone does. We DO know that people who test negative past six weeks (or more) rarely test positive at three months.

2. The only people who need to worry about late seroconversion are those on chemotherapy for cancer, those on anti-rejection drugs following organ transplant, or those who have been injecting street drugs, every day, for YEARS. Clearly you do not fall into those categories. Even people who do will still normally test positive within three months, if not six weeks.

3. Nope.

4. Sorry, but no. It does say in the blurb about the new subscription situation that you need to use your three free questions wisely.

You are HIGHLY UNLIKELY to go on to test positive after that nine week negative. Relax and confirm at three months and be confident of another negative result. I'm confident that is what you'll get.

Ann