*dumb*

[hi98]

I have had unprotected sex with several guys in the past three yrs, mainly one nighters.  Dumb I know, well recently found out a friend of a friend has HIV.  This got me crazy worried.  I haven't been tested for HIV, and knowing she has it makes me think I'm at high risk for having it myself.  I have HPV, but never had any other STD.  No symptoms.  Do you guys think its likely that I myself have HIV?  Also, are the at home HIV tests just as accurate as the others? and does anyone recommend a particular one?  Any input is appreciated, thanks.

[jkinatl2]

I think that if its been three months since your last unprotected encounter, an HIv test would be considered definitive.

However, if you are going to take an at home HIV test in lieu of going to a doctor or clinic, I need to remind you that other STDs still exist as well, and some, like syphilis, are fatal if untreated - as well as being asymptomatic in the early stages. Your best bet is to go to your local health clinic and get a full STD panel, including an HIV test.

I probably don't have to tell you that wearing condoms offers excellent protection against HIV, and very good protection against other STDs as well. Getting a full STD panel including an HIV test every six months is the responsible thing to do, for yourself and your partners.

Plus, well, you know, condoms.

[Ann]

Hi,

I'm guessing that you're female? We women, being the receptive partner in anal or vaginal intercourse, are much more susceptible to hiv infection. You need to start protecting yourself as a matter of urgency. Make sure the guy is using condoms every time, no exception until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested negative for hiv and all the other sexually transmitted infections together.

You need to know the correct usage of condoms so you can make sure your partner is using them correctly. Check out the condom and lube links in my signature line, and be sure to check out the links on the left-hand side of either page that lead to information on the female condom. The female condom also protects against hiv infection and it puts the control over condom use in your hands.

You might feel that you shouldn't be the one to carry and provide condoms because society tends to think this is "slutty" behaviour. It most definitely is NOT. Carrying and providing condoms is the sign of a woman who cares about herself and her future and don't let anyone tell you differently. Use condoms and avoid hiv infection. It's that simple.

I agree with Jonathan that you need to be tested for hiv - and all the other STIs as well. You say you've had no symptoms but you need to know that symptoms or the lack of symptoms don't mean anything when it comes to hiv infection - and you can also have chlamydia and some of the other STIs without showing symptoms.

You can find an hiv testing center near you by going to the HIV testing center database and entering your zip code. Make sure you ask if they provide complete STI screening and if they don't, make an appointment elsewhere. Asymptomatic, untreated chlamydia is one of the leading causes of infertility in women.

Good luck with the testing and feel free to keep us posted.

Ann

[hi98]

Since it being Monday and all, first thing I did was go up to the doctor.  Come to find out, I have had recent testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which were both negative.  I didn't see where he tested for syphilis, although he had done a CBC.  Everything in the CBC was normal.  I guess since all was fine the doctor didn't see the need to go over the test results.  I'm going to consider myself extremely lucky.  I will still be getting the HIV test.  The quick question I had was... If my CBC was all normal (WBC, lymphocytes...etc), is that a good sign that my HIV test will come out to be negative?  

[Ann]

hi,

The ONLY test that will reveal your hiv status is an hiv antibody test (ELISA). I've been positive for over nine years and my CBC results come back in the normal ranges. CBC resuls will not tell you your hiv status.

You need to test for hiv antibodies. Please read through the Welcome Thread for the link to the lesson on hiv testing.

Ann