My symptoms

[vlad66]

To the moderators: thanks so much for the work you do at this site.  You are performing an invaluable service, and you have helped me greatly.

I have been a nervous wreck for the past few weeks and would appreciate advice.

I am male and near the end of May I had protected sex with a SW in Holland, oral and missionary vaginal.  I trimmed my pubic region approximately two days prior.  Previous to the encounter I was in a fourteen year-long mutually monogamous relationship.

After a couple of weeks I began developing symptoms of what I at first believed was Herpes--tingling, burning, itching in the groin area and sores on my lip and gums, one on the lip and a small one on my gum.  As far as I know, blisters never formed on my penis.  The lymph nodes in my neck enlarged and I had difficulty swallowing.  I also developed a scaly residue on my forehead and ears and my left arm, hand, leg and foot began tingling.

I tested for herpes, and the results were positive.  However, the test was not type-specific, and I had acquired HSVI as a child.  I then assumed that I contracted HSVII from the sex worker, because of my groin symptoms.

The tingling in my arms and legs, however, never went away and wasn't typical for a genital herpes infection, so I got on the internet and discovered that peripheral nueropathy and dermatitis seborreica were symptoms of HIV infection.  I have never had either condition until now.  I then became convinced that I had contracted the disease, and I have consequently driven myself into a dark place.

Do any of the moderators believe I should be tested? 

 

[RapidRod]

No, you do not need an HIV test. You had protected sex and didn't have an exposure.

[vlad66]

Thanks for your time, rapidrod.

[vlad66]

Hey rapidrod (or other moderator), would the fact that I had shaved the bottom portion of the shaft of my penis make a difference in my need to get tested?  I not sure if the condom covered that area.

 Another symptom I'm having is watery eyes.  Along with the other symptoms I mentioned above, would this additional one change your mind about testing?  I'm heading to my doctor's office today to have him evaluate my symptoms and was just wondering if it would be prudent on my part to ask him for an HIV test.

[jkinatl2]

No shaved areas, jock itch, rashes, or any other spin you put on your incident will make  you the first person in the HISTORY of the pandemic to get HIV through receiving fellatio

As I am absolutely sure you are aware, symptoms of ALL KINDS mean NOTHING for determining HIV infection. You have had no risk.

[vlad66]

jk, it wasn't just oral. Vaginal was also involved.

[jkinatl2]

jk, it wasn't just oral. Vaginal was also involved.

Yes but you used a condom for vaginal, no? Therefore, no risk for HIV.

HIV requires very specific cells to latch onto in order to infect. These are not located on the base of your penis, even if you had a rash or cut.

Your urethra, the head of your penis, is the vulnerable opening in that area. If it was covered by a condom, there was no risk for HIV.

[vlad66]

Thank you, JK.  I appreciate the time you have taken to address my inquiries.