Assessing Urological Symptoms: Risks of HIV Infection and Testing Accuracy

Q: Assessing Urological Symptoms: Risks of HIV Infection and Testing Accuracy

Hello： HIV rashes are actually not much different from regular rashes; the main thing is to get a blood test. <br>Symptoms of HIV infection typically do not appear that quickly, but it is advisable to get tested 6-8 weeks after potential exposure, and then again after 3 months fo

Symptom assessment

On the evening of January 2nd, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, I had sexual intercourse with a stranger.
The process began with kissing, followed by digital stimulation of her vagina, and I performed oral stimulation on her clitoris for about 10 seconds.
I do not recall swallowing any fluids, and I kissed her using saliva-moistened tongue.
Afterward, she performed unprotected oral sex on me twice, each lasting about 20 seconds, during which I was fully engulfed.
Then, I put on a condom and engaged in protected vaginal intercourse.
After ejaculation, I withdrew and performed digital stimulation on her for a brief moment before correctly removing the condom, which was intact.
I later went to the bathroom to wipe my penis with toilet paper.

In the past week, I have experienced mild diarrhea, occurring once or twice daily in the morning.
I also had a sore throat that lasted for a week, which improved two days ago, but there are still traces of blood in my throat.
The edges of my tongue have small red spots, though I am unsure if they were present before.
I have not experienced fever, headaches, or generalized muscle aches.
I am uncertain if my lymph nodes are swollen, but they seem to remain at a consistent size.
Recently, I have experienced occasional itching in various parts of my body, particularly noticeable after taking hot showers, where I develop small bumps resembling mosquito bites.
These bumps become less noticeable after the shower, but some continue to itch.
I have not experienced any sores on my body, except for my throat.
I would like to know:
1.
Is there a significant risk of HIV infection based on the above description?
2.
What is the definition of an HIV rash? Could the aforementioned symptoms be indicative of acute infection?
3.
If I go for anonymous testing in a little over a month, what is the accuracy rate?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/04

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: HIV rashes are actually not much different from regular rashes; the main thing is to get a blood test.
Symptoms of HIV infection typically do not appear that quickly, but it is advisable to get tested 6-8 weeks after potential exposure, and then again after 3 months for more accurate results.
Additionally, your symptoms may indicate a different type of infection, so it is safer to visit a hospital for an examination and to explain your sexual history (throat issues and gastrointestinal diarrhea are not normal).
Anonymous testing has the same accuracy, but if you have throat and gastrointestinal symptoms, you should seek treatment rather than opting for anonymous testing.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2017/02/04

More Info

Assessing the risk of HIV infection and the accuracy of testing is crucial for anyone who has engaged in potentially risky behaviors. Based on your description, let's break down your concerns into three main questions.

1. Risk of HIV Infection: The activities you described, particularly the unprotected oral sex and the subsequent protected vaginal intercourse, do carry a risk of HIV transmission. While the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex is generally lower than through vaginal or anal intercourse, it is not zero. Factors such as the presence of cuts or sores in the mouth, the HIV status of the partner, and the viral load of the HIV-positive partner can significantly influence the risk. Since you mentioned that the woman had a history of sexual encounters, it is prudent to consider the possibility of exposure to HIV.
2. Definition of HIV Rash: HIV-related rashes can manifest in various ways, often appearing as flat or raised spots, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash typically occurs during the acute phase of HIV infection, which can happen 2-4 weeks after exposure. However, not all individuals will experience a rash, and the absence of a rash does not rule out infection. The small red bumps you described could be due to various causes, including allergic reactions, insect bites, or other dermatological conditions. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.

3. Testing Accuracy: The timing of HIV testing is critical. The window period for most HIV tests varies; for instance, the fourth-generation antigen/antibody tests can typically detect HIV within 18-45 days after exposure, while nucleic acid tests (NAT) can detect the virus even earlier. If you plan to get tested a month after exposure, the accuracy of the test will depend on the type of test used. Generally, testing at one month can provide a preliminary result, but it is recommended to retest at three months for conclusive results.
In summary, based on your activities, there is a risk of HIV infection, and the symptoms you are experiencing could be related to various causes, not necessarily HIV. The rash and other symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. For testing, while a test at one month can provide some information, follow-up testing at three months is advisable for a more accurate assessment. If you have further concerns or symptoms, seeking medical advice promptly is essential.

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