Is an HIV test conclusive after 3 months of oral sex?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am here to ask some questions regarding HIV and some other possible STDs for the woman having unprotected oral sex (cunnilingus). I tested for HIV after 12 weeks and two days of exposure. I had no sex during this period. The HIV 1/2 rapid screen test showed me a negative result. Is the result conclusive? I consulted a doctor, and she told me that doing a home test is inaccurate. Is it true?

Since these three months, I have not had any severe symptoms. Now, it is four months after my exposure. I have small red bumps in the back of my throat. I do not have pain or difficulty in swallowing. Is this strep throat or pharyngitis? Is it due to STDs? Is it possible for me to have STD symptoms after three months?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your concerns.

Please say whether the throat pain has resolved with medications. If you have it, then it is unlikely to be a cause of HIV infection. Secondly, the home kit for HIV has a low sensitivity and low specificity. So, it is inconclusive. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is a standard test advisable for HIV testing.

Since it is four months, the window period for acquiring an HIV infection has overlapped, and hence, having a negative report at this point is very likely to conclude as not having an HIV infection. I would suggest getting tested for ELISA now and repeating the test after four weeks or a month. Additionally, consider getting a swab sample taken for your throat pain and consult a physician.

I hope this helps.

Please respond if you have any questions.

Thank you.