Anxiety and Fear: Urological Symptoms After Risky Encounters

Q: Anxiety and Fear: Urological Symptoms After Risky Encounters

Fear not： Generally, HIV can be detected through testing 6 to 8 weeks after infection, although some individuals may take longer to show positive results. <br>I recommend that you get retested, preferably at a larger hospital for higher accuracy. <br>If that's not convenient, con

Nervous and scared?

I went to a special venue on February 4th of this year.
At that time, I was in an unconscious state and received unprotected oral sex.
Since then, I have been feeling fearful because it was my first time visiting a hotel, and I am very worried about contracting a disease.
About ten days later, I experienced coughing, fever, diarrhea, folliculitis, and musculoskeletal pain.
These symptoms lasted for about a month before they disappeared.
On April 13th, I went to a laboratory for blood testing (68 days later), and the results were negative.
After that, I had no symptoms until the end of June when folliculitis reappeared, with many lesions on my chest and ribs.
I also developed an ulcer in my mouth (with a white ring around it).
It healed for a few days but then recurred and has been ongoing for over a month.
Should I get tested again? These symptoms seem similar to those of HIV.
Where would be the most accurate place to go for testing?

Kongju Buduan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/07/31

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Fear not: Generally, HIV can be detected through testing 6 to 8 weeks after infection, although some individuals may take longer to show positive results.
I recommend that you get retested, preferably at a larger hospital for higher accuracy.
If that's not convenient, consider visiting a certified laboratory for testing.
Your symptoms can be associated with many different diseases and are not necessarily indicative of AIDS, as the symptoms of AIDS are not specific, and diagnosis is not based solely on clinical symptoms.
This is a response from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2006/07/31

More Info

Your concerns regarding anxiety and potential health issues following a risky encounter are completely valid and understandable. It's important to address both the psychological and physical aspects of your situation.

Firstly, the symptoms you've described, including cough, fever, diarrhea, and skin issues like folliculitis, can be distressing and may lead to heightened anxiety, especially after a potential exposure to HIV. However, it's crucial to understand that many of these symptoms can be attributed to anxiety rather than an actual infection. Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, including gastrointestinal disturbances, muscle aches, and even skin issues due to stress.

The timeline of your symptoms is also significant. You mentioned that you experienced symptoms about ten days after the encounter, which is a common timeframe for acute retroviral syndrome (ARS) if one were to contract HIV. However, you also noted that after testing negative at 68 days, you did not experience further symptoms until much later. This is an important point because a negative HIV test at that time is a strong indicator that you did not contract the virus, as most tests are highly accurate after this period.

Regarding your recurring skin issues and oral ulcers, these could be related to various factors, including stress, anxiety, or even other infections unrelated to HIV. Stress can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to skin infections and other ailments. It's also worth noting that oral ulcers can occur due to stress, nutritional deficiencies, or other non-HIV-related conditions.

If you are still feeling anxious about your health, it may be beneficial to seek further testing. While your previous test was negative, if you feel that your symptoms are persistent and concerning, you can certainly get retested. It's advisable to go to a reputable clinic or healthcare provider that specializes in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for accurate testing and counseling.

In terms of managing your anxiety, it may be helpful to engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or yoga. These practices can help alleviate some of the physical symptoms of anxiety and improve your overall well-being. Additionally, talking to a mental health professional can provide you with strategies to cope with your fears and anxieties, especially those related to health concerns.

Lastly, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. They can help you navigate your symptoms, provide reassurance, and guide you on the appropriate steps to take regarding testing and treatment if necessary. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as addressing any physical health concerns.

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