Lymph node question.

[jeff43023]

Over the last 2 years I have had sexual intercourse with eight women, and recently I have noticed I have a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck. It has not gotten any bigger, but it has been here for around 3-4 months. With AIDS/HIV how long does the node stay swollen and should I be worried over this? Also, I have asthma and have had it for as long as I can remember (I use my inhaler around 6times a day) but sometimes it seems worse than normal? Could all of this be caused by stress? Thank you very much.

[RapidRod]

You didn't not say if you had protected sex, unprotected sex. oral sex or what. Can't help you without details.

[Ann]

jeff,

Symptoms or even the LACK of symptoms means nothing when it comes to hiv infection. The ONLY way to know your hiv status is through the appropriate test at the appropriate time.

If you've been having unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, you've been putting yourself at risk for hiv and other sexually transmitted infections. You need to test for hiv three months past your last unprotected encounter.

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL STIs together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with a sexually transmitted infection.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

Anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results. Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread and follow the Lessons links found there.

Ann

[jeff43023]

Regrettably unprotected. The reason Im worried is because this lymph node is still swollen. Its not getting any bigger or any smaller it’s the only symptom that I can notice at this time.

Edit: All the sex was vaginal, and never came with any of the women. (Sorry on graphic details)

[RapidRod]

It is hard to contract HIV from female to male. Symptoms don't mean anything when it comes to HIV. I never had swollen lymph node and I am HIV/AIDS positive. If you've never been tested, you can go at anytime and get tested and it will be your confirmatory test.

[Ann]

Jeff,

It doesn't matter if you came or not. You had unprotected intercourse and you need to test for hiv and other sexually transmitted infections. You will have a conclusive result for hiv at three months past your last unprotected incident.

You need to start using condoms. You cannot tell someone's hiv status by looking at them or even by asking them. Many people don't actually know their hiv status.

It's unlikely your lymph node has anything to do with hiv. Along with hiv testing, show your node to your doctor. There are thousands of things other than hiv that can cause problems.

Ann

[jeff43023]

Thanks alot for all of your help, Ill be tested asap.

[Andy Velez]

And leave your lymph nodes alone. Squeezing, pushing, proding, feeling and such can create problem where none really exists.

If you are concerned about swelling that's something to discuss with your doctor.

Good luck with your test.

[Ann]

Jeff,

For a conclusive result, make sure you test three months past the last unprotected encounter.

Ann

[jeff43023]

Yep, its been about 4 months.

[jeff43023]

Well, I got tested and I figured I would let everyone know how it went! I tested negitive, and jsut wanted to say thiank you to all of your help. Keep up the good work!

[Andy Velez]

Good for you, Jeff!

And make sure you celebrate by always, ALWAYS using a latex condom everytime you have intercourse.

Cheers,

[jeff43023]

Haha! Yah, not sure I want to do that again. Was the worst 20min wait of my life.

[Un4given]

It is hard to contract HIV from female to male. Symptoms don't mean anything when it comes to HIV. I never had swollen lymph node and I am HIV/AIDS positive. If you've never been tested, you can go at anytime and get tested and it will be your confirmatory test.

What were your first symptoms? How did you find out?....I'm somehow worry too, since I have some cold symptoms that wont go away....and it's freaking me out....did you have any illness symptoms before you got tested? anything weird?

[RapidRod]

Un4given, please start your own thread to ask your questions and to give thoughts and do not post in any others threads.