HIV Risks and Testing: Your Questions Answered

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Issues II

Hello, Doctor: I am the one who just asked you about the possibility of contracting AIDS.
I would like to ask you a few more questions.

1.
Regarding the risk of contracting AIDS through French kissing, it is said that both parties must have open sores in their mouths.
How can one determine if there are any sores in the mouth? If I rinse my mouth with water and do not feel any pain, can I conclude that there are no sores? Or is it possible to have small sores that do not cause significant discomfort, making it easier to contract HIV in such cases?
2.
I have asked the woman I had sexual contact with about her health, and she mentioned that she regularly visits a gynecologist for sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing.
What diseases are typically included in gynecological STD screenings? Does it include testing for AIDS? I am unsure how much I can trust her statement.
3.
Given my current situation, I am very concerned about the possibility of contracting AIDS, and I understand that there is a window period for AIDS testing.
Doctor, how soon after sexual contact can I get tested for AIDS? What type of test should I take (blood test or PCR, etc.)? I want to get accurate information as soon as possible to ease my mind.
Thank you for your answers.

123, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/21

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

1.
The concept of probability in medicine is statistical and holds no significance for an individual.
For example, if I say that your situation has a probability of 1 in 100,000, you could very well be the one infected.
In other words, statistical chances have no meaning for a single person.
Confirmation must rely on testing.
Therefore, if there are concerns, testing is necessary to know for sure.
Probability is completely meaningless for an individual.
2.
There is generally no need to conduct an AIDS test.
Typically, obstetricians and gynecologists will perform tests based on clinical symptoms.
3.
An AIDS test is usually done with a blood draw three months after potential exposure, followed by a second test after one year.
If both tests are negative, infection can be ruled out.
4.
Regarding testing issues, a definitive diagnosis of AIDS requires specific tests that are not available in most general medical facilities.
Samples need to be sent to specialized laboratories recognized by the Centers for Disease Control.
You can check online for the addresses of contracted partners and medical facilities associated with the CDC for nearby testing.
If privacy is a concern, there are also anonymous testing options available for free services, which can be found online.

Reply Date: 2010/05/21

More Info

Understanding HIV Risks and Testing: Your Questions Answered
Hello! It's completely understandable to have concerns about HIV, especially after potential exposure. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Kissing and Oral Wounds: The risk of HIV transmission through kissing is extremely low, even if both partners have oral wounds. The presence of small cuts or sores in the mouth can theoretically increase the risk, but the actual transmission through saliva is very rare. To determine if you have cuts or sores, you can look for any visible lesions, redness, or swelling in your mouth. However, just because you don't feel pain or discomfort while rinsing your mouth doesn't mean there are no small wounds. If you have any concerns about your oral health, it might be worth consulting a dentist or healthcare provider for a thorough examination.

2. Sexual Health Screenings: When a woman visits a gynecologist for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, the tests typically include screenings for common STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and sometimes HIV. However, not all gynecologists routinely test for HIV unless specifically requested or if the patient is at higher risk. It's essential to have open communication with your partner about her testing history and the specific tests she has undergone. If she is regularly tested and has negative results, that is a positive sign, but it’s always best to confirm the details of what tests were performed.

3. Window Period for HIV Testing: The window period refers to the time after potential exposure during which HIV tests may not detect the virus. For most standard antibody tests, the window period is about 3 months, but many modern tests, such as the HIV Combo Test (which detects both antibodies and antigens), can provide reliable results as early as 2-4 weeks after exposure. If you are anxious about your status, you can consider getting tested at 4 weeks with a Combo Test or an RT-PCR test, which can detect the virus itself. However, for the most accurate results, it is recommended to follow up with a test at 3 months.

In summary, while the risk of HIV transmission through kissing is low, it is not zero, especially if there are open sores. Regular STI screenings are crucial for sexual health, and understanding the window period for HIV testing can help alleviate anxiety. If you have further concerns or symptoms, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and testing options. Remember, open communication with partners about sexual health is essential for both parties' safety and peace of mind.

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