Getting tested

[jeffhardylover8472]

So, for the last few weeks I've fooled around with this guy that comes into my dad's shop. One of those times, though, I was stupid for once in my life. I barebacked him and it wasn't until we finished that I realized what I did. I haven't had any symptoms of HIV or anything, but I will be getting tested just to be on the safe side. I am a bit scared, but where it was the first time I ever did that, whether protected or unprotected, I highly doubt I have anything.

 

[medic1]

The odds are on your side if this is the 1st time that you have ever barebacked,though there are cases where infection has happened on the 1st
time barebacking though i think that in those cases it was either quite rough sex
or one of the guys has had a sore on their dick.
Percentage wise it is usualy the person being fucked that is more at risk than the active partner for the test to be 100%.You will have bloods taken and then you must abstain from any form of at risk activities for 3 months you then get your bloods redone and if it comes back negative then you do not have hiv.
Though make sure that you get tested for all std,s which they should do anyway
Wishing you luck

 

[KaraBulut]

If you were the top, the chances of HIV infection are extremely low. But the best way to solve the uncertainty is to get tested, once at 6 weeks and repeated at 6 months. And while you're there, get tested for all STDS.

And don't make the same mistake again.

 

[Nomenclature]

Like Kara said: HIV takes awhile to show up. It can take up to six months after the possible exposure to be absolutely sure your results are accurate.

It's really tough to wait that long, so hang in there and try to avoid convincing yourself that you're positive, when you're most likely not.


The other STDS, however, show up much sooner. So definitely get tested for everything, including Syphilis; this disease has become very common in the gay hook-up scene in the last decade, and most guys don't even know they have it. It's easily curable, though.

 

[medic1]

I hate to say this especially where jub mods who do a great job are concerned
but sorry Kara i know like me you are medicaly trained.
The tests are so advanced now that 12 weeks is the approved amount of time
between testing as long as you abstain from at risk activities.
Apart from that i feel quite chuffed that the rest of your post was a virtual copy of mine.

 

[KaraBulut]

The tests are so advanced now that 12 weeks is the approved amount of time
between testing as long as you abstain from at risk activities.

Not to get too far from the OP's original question...

The recommendations that I always give are based upon acceptable practice or CDC guidelines. In this case, the 6 week/6 month standard is based upon the 2001 CDC recommendations for HIV testing.

The dilemma is that there is a population of people who will not show detectable levels of anti-HIV antibody until 3-6 months after a high risk exposure. The studies typically say that between 95-97% of people with a positive PCR will also have a positive antibody test at 90 days post exposure. The guidelines are intended to allow for both early detection/screening and a confirmation test beyond the 90 day window. If the results of both tests are negative, then the person can be deemed to be HIV negative with some degree of certainty.

The tests that you're speaking of are the 4th generation HIV tests. These tests have three components- a p24 antigen test, an anti-HIV1 test and an anti-HIV2 test. The p24 antigen test component is looking for immediate exposures since p24 antigen is present immediately after exposure but decreases with time post-exposure. Detectable levels of HIV antibody increase within the weeks post-exposure. So the combo test is intended to pick up both people who are immedately post-exposure (p24 antigen positive) and those who have had an exposure and have developed antibody (anti-HIV).

Unfortunately, the 4th generation tests are more expensive, so they are typically only used in blood and tissue banks or when specifically ordered by a physician. The less expensive screening tests are still the most commonly used in public health settings and the guidelines are based upon the public health practices.

 

[medic1]

Hey Kara as usual you are correct i keep on forgetting that in the USA you dont
have the same set-up as we are very lucky to have in the UK.
Here the NHS tends to use the latest in technology without handing the patient
an enormous medical bill at the end of it.
Hope your New Year went well take care.