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What Is The Window Period For An HIV Test?
Question: Hi there,
I recently had sexual intercourse with an individual that I do not her STD status. I know this person has had multiple partners but also know that she uses protection all the time and is very conscious about her health and safety. She has recently been tested for this reason as well and the test was normal. Other then that, we used a condom (2 times. Once for oral and then for vaginal). She put it on properly and also made sure that it did not break. Afterwards, she also took it off carefully. As far as I know, it did not leak or break. She did bleed a little bit but I think that was because she was not entirely aroused at one point. I have never had sex without a condom and same with her. However, I have never been tested. I am still a little nervous and think that it is a good idea just to be safe and get tested for any STDs. My question is that how soon after such an encounter can one get tested? Especially for HIV virus. The normal blood test is about 1 - 3 months wait? I heard that there are tests one can do as soon as 20 days. I am not having any symptoms but I just want to be on the safe side and get tested. Which test can I get done and how soon?
Even though we were safe and we made sure of it, I have anxiety problems and therefore I would still like to be tested.
I recently had sexual intercourse with an individual that I do not her STD status. I know this person has had multiple partners but also know that she uses protection all the time and is very conscious about her health and safety. She has recently been tested for this reason as well and the test was normal. Other then that, we used a condom (2 times. Once for oral and then for vaginal). She put it on properly and also made sure that it did not break. Afterwards, she also took it off carefully. As far as I know, it did not leak or break. She did bleed a little bit but I think that was because she was not entirely aroused at one point. I have never had sex without a condom and same with her. However, I have never been tested. I am still a little nervous and think that it is a good idea just to be safe and get tested for any STDs. My question is that how soon after such an encounter can one get tested? Especially for HIV virus. The normal blood test is about 1 - 3 months wait? I heard that there are tests one can do as soon as 20 days. I am not having any symptoms but I just want to be on the safe side and get tested. Which test can I get done and how soon?
Even though we were safe and we made sure of it, I have anxiety problems and therefore I would still like to be tested.
Brief Answer:
Protected sex is safe as far as Hiv is concerned
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your question and I have noted your concern.
Protected sex is concerned it is considered to be safe as far as risk of Hiv is concerned. Though, you may take a blood test for screening as early as 4 weeks with an Hiv, P24 antigen and anti-hiv antibody test. This test is very sensitive and specific and a negative test at 4 weeks would rule out Hiv with certainty.
However, protected sex does not provide complete protecttion against other STDs like genital herpes/ HSV and HPV. This is because a condom covers only shaft of penis and leaves base of shaft and pubic region exposed for direct skin to skin contact and contact with vaginal secretions. You may also take a blood test for HSV (type 1 and 2, ELISA) as well as VDRL for syphilis at 4 weeks and then re-tests at 12 weeks.
Regards
Protected sex is safe as far as Hiv is concerned
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your question and I have noted your concern.
Protected sex is concerned it is considered to be safe as far as risk of Hiv is concerned. Though, you may take a blood test for screening as early as 4 weeks with an Hiv, P24 antigen and anti-hiv antibody test. This test is very sensitive and specific and a negative test at 4 weeks would rule out Hiv with certainty.
However, protected sex does not provide complete protecttion against other STDs like genital herpes/ HSV and HPV. This is because a condom covers only shaft of penis and leaves base of shaft and pubic region exposed for direct skin to skin contact and contact with vaginal secretions. You may also take a blood test for HSV (type 1 and 2, ELISA) as well as VDRL for syphilis at 4 weeks and then re-tests at 12 weeks.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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