Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had a 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 STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) clinic. They asked me to do an HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) PCR(Polymerase chain Reaction) DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) test and antigen-antibody test. Both came 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 came non-reactive. My questions are as follows: Is Condom sex safe? My test results are conclusive? However,after 31st day, I got four tiny pimples on my arm (opposite to elbow and two on chest). It looks like red but very small. Am really paranoid because of these symptoms. Nowadays am getting tingling in my feet it is just coming and going. Please help me.
Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.
The chances of transmission of HIV by protected intercourse is nil if the condom is used in a right manner. The HIV tests are repeatedly negative especially the PCR at 11 days combo or duo test after one-month exposure. With the given description and test results, the chances of tests coming positive later are nil. You are free from HIV. You can go for antibodies test as final conclusive results after three months of exposure. The lesions are not related to HIV. It may be simple allergies or irritation or dryness.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I just have one more question if I have done PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) DNA(Deoxyribonucleic acid) HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) at 36 days will it be conclusive? No need to go for three months test because I have seen in another post you have mentioned if PCR is done after 21st day, there is no need for another test?
Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
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 totally be free from anxiety. The chances of tests coming positive later are nil with given history and test results.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I understand as you have said condom sex is safe and 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 latest PCR and Ab/Ag negative results?
Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
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.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
For protected sex too, I need to take the test?
Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Do not get confused.If PCR is negative is almost conclusive after 10 to 12 days exposure. Duo also is considered conclusive by many after one month. It is considered that antibodies test as conclusive after three months exposure by all. Soto be safer always get tests after three months. This is especially if it is risk exposure or unprotected intercourse. If protected too to be free from anxiety you may have to go for it too.
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Dermatology
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