Scared!
Hi there,
About 2 weeks ago I had sex with a man in a different country whom I have no contact with now. Through out the time he didn't ejaculate at all, and so he took off the condom. He then went inside of me *one time*. But after that one time he stopped cause he thought it was a bad idea. There was no contact with his fluids. Only his skin.
Is there any way I might have HIV? I have the symptoms (swollen lymph nodes, headache, chills...)
I got blood work done today for mono, not thinking about HIV.. After looking up my symptoms, HIV came up, which has stressed me out quite a bit.
Please if you could let me know that would be great. I am so scared.
Thank you for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.
From what you described, it sounds like you had unprotected sex briefly if I am reading that correctly. Anal sex carries a higher risk of rips and tears than vaginal sex does as the lining of the anus is more sensitive.
While it is true that you were not exposed to his full ejaculation, there is a chance that pre-cum may have been involved. Not likely given that the experience was brief but it is possible.
You have described exactly why symptoms are not a reliable way to determine an HIV infection; a lot of the symptoms mirror other viral issues. It's not likely that you contracted HIV because of this but I couldn't say for sure. Testing will be the way to determine your current status.
You can start the testing process now although, you may need to follow up with further testing depending on the type of test that you get done. Are you somewhere in the world that offers the combination antibody/P24 test? That is good for early detection. If you can get that test, that will be helpful.
If you are a male and in the Vancouver, BC Canada area, there are a few places that are offering an "early test", for men that have sex with men. The window period for that test is 10-12 days. The places are the Health Initiative for Men, the Bute Street clinic and the BC CDC STI & HIV control clinic. You can find their information here in this link to our listings of testing sites in Vancouver and surrounding areas, in case it is of any use to you:
http://www.aidsvancouver.org/info/testing/testsites
Always using lots of lube is a great idea, to prevent rips and tears that make a person more vulnerable to the transmission of HIV. Another thing to consider is the type of activities that you are comfortable with, prior to having an experience. It could save you some stress and worry.
We here at AIDS Vancouver and the Helpline are hoping for you that everything is ok. Please let us know if we can provide any further information.
Wishing you good health,
Heidi
AIDS Vancouver Helpline
Direct: 604-696-4666
helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Disclaimer
The AIDS Vancouver Helpline is a volunteer-driven information, referral and support service related to HIV and sexual health. Volunteers are trained in active listening, HIV and sexual health information, and local resources and services. Volunteers are not doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals. Volunteers do not give advice, and strive to provide service-users with adequate information and appropriate referrals.
Helpline volunteers uphold the agency’s confidentiality and privacy policies. Your calls, forum posts, and emails are anonymous. We welcome you to use a pseudonym or “fake name” when using Helpline services. We will not ask for or track your personal information. To ensure that the Helpline program is providing quality services, the Helpline Coordinator regularly monitors online content (forum posts and emails) and supervises volunteers who are receiving calls.
The Helpline Program should not be used in replacement of medical examination, diagnosis, advice counseling or follow-up care. We strongly recommend routine testing (HIV and STI tests) and discussing your healthcare directly with a physician.
We would love to hear from you! If you have feedback or questions related to the operations of the Helpline, please contact David at helpline@aidsvancouver.org or by calling 604.696.4666.
Add new comment