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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on February 7, 2005, at 13:13:27
A couple months ago I had unprotected sex with a woman who, looking back on it, has me worried that she may be HIV positive. I cannot get a hold of her. It was regular vaginal intercourse, but unprotected. I have been trying to find some info on the stats, but is it likely I have contracted the virus after the one interaction? Thanks
Posted by alexandra_k on February 7, 2005, at 21:57:26
In reply to HIV and AIDS...., posted by becksA on February 7, 2005, at 13:13:27
I would suggest you get tested. It is possible that you might have got it if she has it. But then it is possible you might not have got it if she has it. But then she might not have it anyway. Only one way to find out.
Good idea to get tested anyways.
For other stuff as well.
Just to be sure...
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on February 8, 2005, at 8:50:59
In reply to HIV and AIDS...., posted by becksA on February 7, 2005, at 13:13:27
If you are paranoid about this, put your mind at ease and get tested. I have read however that transmission of HIV from woman to man is more difficult than from man to woman.
Posted by Racer on February 8, 2005, at 14:11:37
In reply to Re: HIV and AIDS...., posted by Miss Honeychurch on February 8, 2005, at 8:50:59
Years ago I read that HIV is statistically not all that transmissible. Unprotected anal intercourse with an infected partner had something like a one in fifty chance of transmission, which shocked me because it was so much lower than I would have imagined. Of course, that doesn't help you at all if you happen to be that one person in fifty who does contract it.
Here's a reality check: if you're in otherwise perfect health, with a robust immune system, you can probably be exposed to HIV a few times and not be infected. Your immune system can fight a few viral particles off. BUT as soon as anything impairs your immune response, that can change in an instant. HIV is still a virus, and your body is exposed to myriad types of virus daily. It's only when your body can't handle them for some reason that you get sick.
So, what do you do now? You remember exactly how unpleasant it is now to worry about this, so you remember WHY you use condoms in future, and you get yourself tested. It's simple enough to get tested, and it stops you from worrying. Simple, eh?
Good luck.
Posted by badseed on February 13, 2005, at 18:47:41
In reply to HIV and AIDS...., posted by becksA on February 7, 2005, at 13:13:27
> A couple months ago I had unprotected sex with a woman who, looking back on it, has me worried that she may be HIV positive. I cannot get a hold of her. It was regular vaginal intercourse, but unprotected. I have been trying to find some info on the stats, but is it likely I have contracted the virus after the one interaction? Thanks
Hi, I have a few things to say about your situation, none of course, which will relieve the anxiety you are putting yourself through at the moment. I had a situation with a friend of mine who has HIV which got me so paranoid (for not really relevant reasons) that I became absolutely wholly obsessed with the idea that i might have HIV, and then I was positive (pun not intended) that I did have it and my life was over and nothing would go back ever and so on and so on. I carried this on for a little over a year until I started having physical symptoms, i developed a rash that no doctors could tell what it was and would not go away, (i'd convinced myself it was AIDS related), I developed a stomach problem where I stopped eating for 9 months and almost starved myself. (which led to an eating disorder) and I finally had to move home to my parents where I was sedated (i'm terrified of needles) and tested and am not HIV positive.
Your situation is not like this, it has not escalated in any form like this, but what i am trying to stress to you, is that the mind is so powerful and your situation has abundant potential to blossom into something like mine. And it is a horrible place to be in.
Firstly, look at the odds of your situation, and yes it is much harder to transmit from male to female, don't let your mind and subconscious lead you down those avenues. and for your peace of mind. get tested. it's so easier said than done isn't it?
i hope this is some help to you.
Posted by lunesta on February 19, 2005, at 12:25:50
In reply to HIV and AIDS...., posted by becksA on February 7, 2005, at 13:13:27
it is possible. keep in mind, HIV testing in most communities is free at clinics... I would get tested.
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