Wondering about window

[questionfromthenorth]

Woman here. 3 episodes of unprotected vag int. in early June (no ejaculation but preejaculate likely) with a man who used to live and work in west africa in international development. Claims he is not positive.

Had rapid finger blood test yesterday at 6 weeks. Negative. The doctor said yesterday that it was 99.98% conclusive (I live in MA where our testing window is 6 weeks for some reason).  I am going to retest at 3 months regardless, but I am slightly more worried today since I have seen so many postings that indicate my negative yesterday is not as probably as the doctor said. 

Two questions - why is the MA window 6 weeks lower than other states' windows (I also called our AIDS Action line and the gentleman said the 3 month window is mostly for folks who have compromised immune systems), and could my negative yesterday be 99% conclusive?

I wouldn't worry, but I also have a yeast infection for the first time ever and have never had one before.  Not sure if it could be related to all this.

Thank you for your assistance - sites like this are incredibly helpful.

[Ann]

quest,

In MA, the window period is indeed six weeks. This is because they use ONLY the newest tests.

However, on this website we go by the official CDC window of three months. Saying that, your six week negative result is highly unlikely to change. I've yet to see one change myself.

If I were you, I'd relax. Test again at three months if you need to for your own peace of mind, but don't expect the result to change. I don't.

You need to learn from this incident because you're playing roulette with your life and health.  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 with 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.

Once again, test at three months if you feel you need to for closure, but don't expect a different result.

Ann

[questionfromthenorth]

Thank you.  Will do - lesson LEARNED.  Just to doublecheck - the yeast infection has nothing to do with possible HIV status?

Thanks again.

Quest.

[Ann]

Quest,

No, a yeast infection is nothing hiv specific. I used to get yeast infections quite often, long, long before I was hiv positive. It's a very common condition for women, often caused by things like a sugar-rich diet, tight jeans or synthetic underwear. Work with your doctor to resolve your yeast problems.

Like I said, don't expect your result to change. I don't.

Ann