Arenasro:
Hello, I hope everyone is well, thanks for helping. I just have one question, I had sex without a condom with a woman six weeks ago and I want to get tested for HIV, (I take vitamins, B12, magnesium, zinc, among others), taking vitamins can delay the appearance of antibodies. . in the HIV test? Or can it interfere with the HIV test result?
Jim Allen:
Hiya,
--- Quote ---Or can it interfere with the HIV test result? --- End quote --- Short answer, no.
To confirm your HIV status test six weeks post-exposure with a blood-draw (lab) HIV antibody test and retesting at three months is generally not needed.
Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks: Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV and get vaccinated against HPV, Hepatitis A & B.
Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.
Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.
Kind regards
Jim
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Arenasro:
Thanks for responding, does that mean I can continue taking my vitamins and get tested for HIV? Sorry, I didn't understand what you told me about the six weeks and 3 months.
Jim Allen:
--- Quote ---Thanks for responding, does that mean I can continue taking my vitamins and get tested for HIV? --- End quote ---
Vitamins will not interfere with HIV testing.
--- Quote ---I didn't understand what you told me about the six weeks and 3 months. --- End quote ---
You had an HIV risk, so test six weeks post-exposure with a blood-draw (lab) HIV antibody test.