HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv rna pcr testI am anxious after oral sex despite my negative HIV PCR. Help.

Am I infected with HIV after having unprotected oral sex with another man?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 26, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had unprotected oral sex with another man. I do not know if he is HIV positive or negative. He ejaculated in my mouth, and I spit it out immediately. Now, I am afraid of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). I took an HIV PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test on the 16th day. The result revealed nothing was detected. However, I am anxious whether I am safe or not. Please guide me.

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. The chances of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission by single unprotected oral sex are almost impossible unless there are bleeding wounds in the oral cavity. Therefore, it is good that the HIV RNA (ribonucleic acid) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is negative. The chances of HIV tests becoming positive later are very low. But it is better to get an HIV antibody test after three months of exposure to have conclusive results and relieve anxiety. I hope this has helped you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply. However, I have a few questions, Is the HIV RNA PCR test on the 16th day sufficient to detect HIV? Do I need to undergo a p24 antigen test? If yes, after how many days of exposure should I get it done?

Please advice.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is enough and is considered conclusive. However, you can get an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibodies test after three months of exposure for conclusive results and be relieved of anxiety. After that, there is no need for other HIV tests.

I hope this has helped you.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I did the PCR test on the 16th day and a p24 antigen test on the 19th day. Both are negative. But still, I feel feverish, and I am scared of the test results also.

Please share your opinion after reviewing the report.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the follow-up query. It is good that the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibodies duo test and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test are negative after 19 days (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). The chances of HIV tests becoming positive later are very low. But it is better to get an HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure to be relieved of anxiety and for conclusive results. The symptoms are nonspecific and can be due to any infection. However, I recommend you to consult your doctor if the symptoms persist for further examination and management.

Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Do I need to take any other tests after 28 days?

Kindly suggest.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you for the follow-up query. There is no need for any HIV tests after 28 days. It may not make much difference. In addition, I suggest you to undergo an HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure.

Take care.

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

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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