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Author Topic: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk  (Read 13824 times)

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Offline Concerned22

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One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« on: May 07, 2009, 09:22:25 am »
Hey guys I have viewed many forums from medhelp, healingwell, thebody, and this one and I have to say that this forum seems to have a pretty reasonable take on the window period debate. I'd say Dr. HHH is the most liberal, you guys are moderate, and thebody is CDC conservative. Thank you for all of your good work. My particular exposure is a one time unprotected vaginal with a woman who is stalking me now. The good news is I got a 3rd generation rapid oraquick blood draw 20 minute test that came out negative just over 6 weeks (44 days) and she left evidence of a negative bloodtest on my door as well as messages claiming that particular test covered her six week window (if I can understood what she said correctly). I'm definitely going to test out to three months and possibly six just to be sure but I just wanted to hear any of y'alls two cents on the scenario. (I also planned to get screened for all other STDS hep, syph ect at the three month mark and I have come out neg for clam and ghon) Thanks so much guys.

Offline Ann

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2009, 09:33:05 am »
Concerned,

Your six week negative is highly unlikely to change. 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 negative must be confirmed at the three month point.

You certainly do NOT need to test out to six months.

You were never likely to end up hiv positive following a one-time unprotected vaginal encounter, even if the woman is hiv positive. Hiv is a fragile, difficult to transmit virus and more so from a woman to a man. BUT! You need to stop taking chances and start using condoms with ANYONE. condoms have been PROVEN to prevent hiv infection.

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 sexually transmitted infections together. To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through all three 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.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2009, 10:03:53 am »
Thanks Ann. I really appreciate it. I will keep you guys posted

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #3 on: May 07, 2009, 10:50:45 am »
Yeah I called the Massachusetts number and they said I am conclusively negative because of the six weeks but I know Ann and most other experts here say 3 months (especially since my test wasn't fourth generation). Also an HIV specialist I spoke to at the STD clinic said that in rare cases it can take up to six months for detectable antibodies but she also said given my entire scenario I'll probably be ok and that after 14 years of testing she has only seen about 400 or 500 positives. One thing I don't understand though is why the CDC website does not say that the remaining 3% margin of error for a three month antibody test is due to people who already have immune system problems or have had organ transplants. I have heard other people make this statement about the margin of error when they talk about the CDC guidelines but I've yet to see where the CDC actually says it themselves. What do you guys think?

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #4 on: May 07, 2009, 11:05:29 am »
If you test negative at 3 months you can relax. The rare situations which are indications for testing up to 3 months involved extensive IV drug, organ transplant or a severely depleted immune system due to treatment for an illness like cancer.

I expect you will get another negative at 3 months and you don't need to test beyond that. As for what the CDC says and doesn't say, it's a large bureaucracy that's always concerned with "covering itself," and I won't comment further than that.

Cheers.
Andy Velez

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2009, 11:10:20 am »
Thanks Andy. I suspect there are legal considerations as well and I think you are probably right. I mean just logically if you have to balance people being anxious for a few more weeks against people thinking they are negative and spreading the virus of course it is best for public policy reasons to choose the former. It is just odd that they do not really account for the remaining 3% explicitly. I appreciate all of you guys input and I will keep you guys posted. Oh yeah one last thing do you guys think I should test in between now and 90 days?

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2009, 01:31:18 pm »
The average time to seroconversion is 22 days. All but the very smallest number of those who will seroconvert will do so within 4-6 weeks after an exposure. Your negative result is extremely unlikely to change at 13 weeks.

I don't think there is any real point in testing again before then. What you need to do it to re-direct your attention on to staying productively busy with other things. And don't bother saying you can't do that because you're too anxious. That won't fly here.

I expect you to come out of this ok. Just remember for the future always without exceptions use a condom for vaginal and anal intercourse. Period.

Now, get busy.

Cheers.
Andy Velez

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #7 on: May 07, 2009, 02:19:08 pm »
I know from everything I've read online it seems highly unlikely my result is going to change. Ann has never seen a six week negative change along with another veteran of this board. That alone is very strong evidence I will be fine. I really need to be strong right now but I'm almost in the clear. I know God has protected me despite my sinful and selfish actions. I especially need to hit the books because I recently had a lung collapse partially and since I have had to work this semester I have not been able to study like a should. I am trying to finish law school but this stalker won't leave me alone and this HIV thing man but I mean Im very blessed. Thank you for all of your help guys Ill keep you posted I need to studt for an exam tommorow but here Iam at the doctor's office. I'll keep you guys updated. I know it is no excuse but this stress is crazy I just spent two hours walking around outside the campus heath center talking to myself when I should be studying. Thanks for all the help guys Ill keep you all updated

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2009, 12:24:24 am »
I want to apologize for my last post in this forum which I think was very ignorant on my part. It was selfish and short sighted. I just read through some of the forums of Long term survivors. A partial lung collapse or graduating from law school is irrelevant. I hope I have not been too insensitive to any true suffering anyone is going through or has gone through. Anyone who could have possibly been offended please accept my humble apology. I will post any updates on my situation. Good will too all

Offline Ann

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2009, 06:58:07 am »
Con,

Your worrying over this isn't offensive, but your comment, "I know God has protected me despite my sinful and selfish actions." IS offensive.

It implies that those of us who do have hiv somehow fell foul of God and are being punished. Hiv is NOT a punishment sent down from God, it's a virus. Nothing more, nothing less. There are specific mechanisms that lead to infection, and what's kept you hiv negative - despite having unprotected intercourse - are the complexities of these mechanisms and the exactitude of environment needed, not some deity.

You've been told that hiv is much more difficult to transmit from a woman to a man - THIS is what has kept you hiv negative. You were NEVER likely to end up positive over this one-time risk situation.


Just remember, the ONLY true risk group, sexually speaking, is that group of people who have unprotected intercourse. In this instance, the risk group includes you. Wise up and start using condoms.

If you're having trouble with a stalker, that's a matter for your local or campus police. Inform them and get on with your studies. Start applying the logic you're supposed to be learning as a lawyer to your own situation. Your six week negative is HIGHLY unlikely to change.

Ann
« Last Edit: May 08, 2009, 07:00:55 am by Ann »
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2009, 06:14:09 pm »
I'm deeply sorry and I apologize for my ignorance on the subject. Ann I have nothing but the utmost respect for you. What I meant to convey was my developing faith and belief in God. It is my personal belief and I in no way meant to imply anything negative about you or anyone else. I do not apologize for my fervent and respect and reverence for God, nor does it seem you are asking me to. I do apologize for my poorly worded statement I think my own ignorance on the subject and fears plus the fact that I wrote the message in a hurry could have contributed to a poorly worded phrasing of what I wanted to get across which is my belief in God and how it has shaped my life.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2009, 07:46:58 pm »
Enjoy your belief in God and the comfort that it brings you.

Just remember that while God is watching over you it is also essential that you always  act responsibly and use condoms for intercourse to protect your health and that of your partners.

Like Ann I expect you to test negative.

Andy Velez

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2009, 07:49:41 pm »
Thank you all for your kindness and support.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2009, 09:01:33 am »
You're welcome.
Andy Velez

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #14 on: June 13, 2009, 04:57:17 pm »
Hey everybody I picked up an 84 day negative at a planned parenthood today. It only tested for HIV one and I'm going in for more tests next week but its a big relief thank you all for your support.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #15 on: June 13, 2009, 10:10:30 pm »
HIV-2 is rare except in sub-Saharan Africa. You are HIV negative. Period. End of story.

Enjoy your happy result, get on with your life and remember that for vaginal and anal intercourse condoms are a must everytime.

Cheers.
Andy Velez

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #16 on: June 13, 2009, 10:35:09 pm »
Thanks Andy. This a great forum. Thanks to the services you guys provide to every one effected by this epidemic. I think education so key in fighting this epidemic and you guys are definitely on the front lines in that regard. Just as one last aside has anyone besides Rod ever seen a 6 week negative change?

Offline HIVworker

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #17 on: June 14, 2009, 11:34:23 am »
I've been on this forum since 2003. I've never seen it.

R
NB. Any advice about HIV is given in addition to your own medical advice and not intended to replace it. You should never make clinical decisions based on what anyone says on the internet but rather check with your ID doctor first. Discussions from the internet are just that - Discussions. They may give you food for thought, but they should not direct you to do anything but fuel discussion.

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #18 on: June 14, 2009, 06:52:10 pm »
I've been looking at a whole lot of different information regarding HIV testing windows. It seems like there is very little difference between six weeks and three months in terms of how conclusive. Although I did find a post where Dr. HHH (big proponent of six weeks) says in some very rare instances it can take up to 6 months. I feel blessed that during the time I have had to go through this not only are there more sensitive tests but there is also the internet to disseminate this info. For instance the lady at Planned Parenthood said it was only 90% by 84 days and that I needed to come back in six months but I'm more inclined to go based on what I've learned here and at medhelp.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #19 on: June 14, 2009, 07:16:55 pm »
A conclusive negative test is 3 months post exposure. There are no Drs. that have to authority to say any different. It's not up to them when to say a test is conclusive that is set by the manufacture of the tests and the FDA.

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #20 on: June 14, 2009, 08:51:51 pm »
You know more much more about this than me as I'm new to all of this. Most of what I have read seems to say 3 months is the gold standard. I know the updated CDC testing modules say more than likely six weeks and definite at 3 months but I wish they would update that part of the page that says 3% take up to six months. As you point out who would know better than those who manufacture the tests? I have no doubt their legal teams looked into it! lol! It doesn't help that there are clinics like the PP I went to still saying 6 months. I will probably test out to 6 months hopefully just for peace of mind and sanity reasons with all this information floating around how can you really know without just testing at the most conservative window credibly reported?

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #21 on: June 14, 2009, 10:07:44 pm »
There's really nothing more we can say to you. You're HIV negative. If for your peace of mind you want to test until 6 months, it's totally unnecessary in terms of any real need, but go ahead and do it. You will certainly collect another negative result.

But you can't keep coming back here with more what ifs about this same situation because you're going to end up getting a Time Out.

Andy Velez

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #22 on: June 14, 2009, 10:21:37 pm »
No time out should be necessary. I don't want to abuse the forum. I appreciate the forum. I just got to thinking and it occurred to me if a 6 week changing happens but its just extremely rare then why not the same for a 3 month? I mean at this point I need to just be happy with my results and take a psychological break from all this worry Its just a drag. I'm going to stop with the what ifs. Thanks for the shared knowledge. Many thanks all of you be Blessed.

Offline Concerned22

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #23 on: July 22, 2009, 07:11:51 pm »
"Getting tested before three months may result in an unclear result or a false negative. Some testing centers may recommend testing again at six months. All but less than 1% of those who are going to seroconvert will do so within three months (seroconversion is the development of detectable antibodies to HIV in the blood as a result of infection.) It's extremely rare for seroconversion to take more than six months to develop detectable antibodies." this is from AIDSmeds.........

Offline RapidRod

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #24 on: July 22, 2009, 07:20:59 pm »
Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: One Time Unprotected Vaginal Risk
« Reply #25 on: July 22, 2009, 07:57:36 pm »
Last word on this and consider yourself warned about coming back with more reservations and what ifs.

The exceptions for testing out to six months are when extensive IV drug use is involved, a severely compromised immune system due to something like an organ transplant or other severe illness such as cancer. Otherwise 3 months has long been accepted by the CDC and others as a reliable testing point.

Period.
Andy Velez

 


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