Do I need to take PEP?

[linhxeom]

Dear everyone,

I'm writing this post to seek advice from you. It might be more of a mental health concern than a risk, but I believe this forum is friendly and caring, so I hope you've encountered situations like mine and can offer some good advice.

Here's my story:

In August 2017, while traveling in an Asian country, I received oral sex from a girl for about 10 seconds, ( I cam in her mouth) and that was the only thing I did. Later, I discovered that she had unprotected sex with many men without being aware of any STDs. This made me very anxious.

The next day, I visited a pharmacy and got Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) because I was so worried.

Two days later, I used PEP for only two days because I experienced many side effects. An HIV counselor told me my risk was low, and I could stop taking PEP.

----

When I returned to my hometown in September 2017, which was 35 days after that encounter, I took the AG/AB Test, and the result was negative for all STDs. At that time, a test after 28 days was considered conclusive in my case, and no re-testing was required.

Piece in mind

Fast forward to now, which is 6 years later:

I'm currently working far away from home, and in September 2023, I read news that suggested people who tested for AG/AB under 6 weeks (42 days) should re-test. This shocked me, perhaps because I'm dealing with an anxiety disorder at the moment, which is making my feelings much worse.

I understand someone might suggest, "Just go get tested again now," but I can't do it at the moment because I have no partner, no friends, and no parents around to support me. On top of that, I'm dealing with depression, and if something unfortunate were to happen, I don't know how to cope with it on my own.

In mid-September 2023, I realized my biggest fear is reaching the late stage of HIV. So, I took a test to check my CD4 levels, and the results were normal:
* CD4%: 33.9% (Normal range: 30.8-58.5%)
* CD4: 814 (Normal range: 359-1519 /uL)
* CD8%: 29% (Normal range: 12-35%)
* CD8: 696 (Normal range: 109-897 /uL)
* CD4/CD8 Ratio: 1.17 (Normal range: 0.92 - 3.72)

Could this be a good sign that I'm not facing AIDS right now? Will I be okay for a few more years?

I haven't had any sexual encounters since that incident up to now, and it will be the same for the next few years.

I plan to return to my hometown in the future when my depression has subsided and I have the mental strength to get tested.

This is my plan, and I know it might sound unusual to some of you, but it's the best way I can handle things for now.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
I truly appreciate it.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

In August 2017, while traveling in an Asian country, I received oral sex from a girl for about 10 seconds, ( I cam in her mouth) and that was the only thing I did.

Receiving a blowjob lacks the conditions required for acquiring HIV; thus, it makes sense that after 40+ years of this pandemic in terms of BJs, there hasn't been a single documented case of HIV transmission to an insertive partner (the person being "sucked"), and you will not be the worlds first.

Her sexual history is irrelevant and you had no HIV exposure in Aug 2017, no HIV risk, no need for PEP, and no need for HIV testing over that incident.

Move on with your life.

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

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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[linhxeom]

Thank you, Jim. I don't want to bother you any further, but I'm wondering, with your experience, if my CD4, CD8 ratio is a good sign that at least I am okay right now?

I appreciate your time.

[Jim Allen]

The counts are pretty normal looking. However, having normal range CD4 counts etc. doesn't mean that you are healthy and it is rather irrelevant.

Move on with your life.

[linhxeom]

Hello,

A few hours ago, when I went to the market, I got this scratch. There is no blood that I can see on it; I only noticed it when I was washing my hands and felt a little pain. I have no idea what scratched my hand; it could be the trash can while I opened it at the market. Should I take PEP in this case?

Thank you so much.

[Jim Allen]

It's not an HIV risk, zero. Move on with your life