Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had protected sex with a spa girl ten days back, and after three days, I started getting a runny nose and a sore throat. On the sixth day of the exposure, I went to the STD (sexually transmitted disease) clinic. They asked me to do an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test and an antigen-antibody test. Both came back negative. However, after three days, I was starting to get night sweats and diarrhea for three days. I was so worried and was not able to eat at all because of worry, or it is a symptom I do not know. All the tests showed non-reactive.
My questions are as follows:
Kindly advise.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The chances of transmission of HIV by protected intercourse are nil if the condom is used in the right manner. The HIV tests are repeatedly negative, especially the PCR at 11 days, the combo or duo test after one month of exposure. With the given description and test results, the chances of tests coming back positive later are nil. You are free from HIV. You can go for an antibody test as a final conclusive result after three months of exposure. The lesions are not related to HIV. It may be simple allergies or irritation, or dryness.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I just have one more question: if I have done PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) at 36 days, will it be conclusive? No need to go for a month's test because I have seen in another post that you mentioned if PCR is done after the 21st day, there is no need for another test.
Kindly advise.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
It depends on risk exposure history. Many times tests are done for fear or anxiety, or to rule out, or to be on the safe side. Here too, it (after three months) can be done to be totally free from anxiety. The chances of tests coming back positive later are nil with the given history and test results.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I understand, as you have said, condom sex is safe, and at the same time, today I got my RT (reverse transcriptase) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) 1 and 2 not detected, now I feel comfortable. My question is, apart from anxiety, as per the tests, considering technicals and window period, do I really need to retest after the latest PCR and Ab/Ag negative results?
Kindly advise.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
HIV PCR is usually not used as a diagnostic test. But it is a very sensitive test (99 %). So it can be relied upon. But it would be better to go for antibodies test after three months just to be on the safer side and to relieve anxiety.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
For protected sex, too, do I need to take the test?
Kindly advise.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Do not get confused. If PCR is negative is almost conclusive after 10 to 12 days of exposure. Duo is also considered conclusive by many after one month. It is considered that an antibody test is conclusive after three months of exposure by all. So to be safe, always get tests after three months. This is especially true if it is risk exposure or unprotected intercourse. If protected, to be free from anxiety, you may have to go for it too.
I hope this helps you.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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