iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv

Can a persistent ulcer after fingering indicate HIV?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had an ulcer after fingering for the past two weeks. I am not experiencing any other symptoms or have a previous history. I did my fourth-generation human immunodeficiency (HIV) lab test on the 10th, 12th, and 23rd day and all came negative. However, I am experiencing symptoms now, almost fifty days later. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The fourth generation test window period starts on the 28th day. This test has multiple window periods on any following days: 38, 42, 54, 63, 83, etc. So your tests are not at all in the window period. Fingering with an ulcer does not cause human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; sex is necessary. In some cases, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) may occur. Non-reactive test means it is not HIV. A lot of other conditions may have symptoms similar to those of HIV. I would suggest you consult a specialist. Only blood tests like the Western blot test give a 100 % accurate diagnosis. All other tests are only 99.9 % accurate.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Sorry, I did not say that the early detection screen test was performed by pricking the blood. It was told to me that it is the fourth generation test. The test was done on day 42. Would that be conclusive? The ulcer was open and had a little puss; maybe a little blood also came the day before. Perhaps her vagina fluid could have touched it? Can I move on, or must I test again? I do not understand the fourth-generation tests.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If it is on the 42nd day, it has an accuracy of 99.9 %. Usually, ulcer, wound, cut, and bleeding from the cuts are not the route of transmission. You are not suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection till your tests are negative. After that, the symptoms might be of some other condition. Confirmation can be done only by a western blot test. If symptoms are not severe, wait and go for symptomatic treatment from an emergency room or by consulting a superspecialist. I would suggest you move on and not link your symptoms with HIV after searching. Online sources can cause unnecessary tension, so relax.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byDr. Lekshmipriya. B

Published At April 2, 2022
Reviewed AtJuly 14, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.