Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for a Better Start
Lower back pain upon waking up? I have been experiencing lower back pain after sleeping for a while. It improves somewhat after I stretch upon waking up. The pain radiates from the lumbar spine to the pelvis on both sides in a linear pattern, but it hasn't reached the lower ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most likely issue is a musculoskeletal problem, possibly a strain or due to long-term poor posture. It is advisable to rest more. If the symptoms persist, it may be necessary to consider spinal issues, such as degenerative arthritis. You migh...[Read More] Morning Back Pain: Causes and Solutions for a Better Start
Understanding Persistent Fatigue and Heat Sensation After Napping
Feeling hot in the head? Hello, doctor... A week ago, after waking up from a nap, I started feeling a warm sensation in my head and overall weakness, feeling very fatigued. These symptoms have persisted until now, and I feel like I have a fever, but my body temperature is normal ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you were completely normal until a week ago when you started experiencing fatigue and a feeling of fever. It is highly suspected that you may have an infection, especially since the flu is currently prevalent. The common symptoms of the flu inclu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fatigue and Heat Sensation After Napping
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Questions about HIV/AIDS Hello Doctor, about a month ago, I had unprotected oral sex with someone (I don't know if the other person has an STD). During the process, I licked her nipples, and I have a sore in my mouth. Is there a possibility of contracting HIV? Then she perfo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! The primary transmission route for HIV is through "contact with blood or bodily fluids," with the secretions from sexual organs being the most infectious. Therefore, if your hands come into contact with the secretions of your partner's sexual organs and then...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery
Gastrointestinal discomfort In the early hours of Saturday, around 2-4 AM, I vomited five times (stomach acid) and had two bowel movements (one normal and one small but somewhat loose). Early Sunday morning, around 8:30 AM, I saw a doctor and received an injection. The doctor adv...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! As you mentioned, the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed common manifestations of gastroenteritis. Typically, discomfort lasts about three days to a week, depending on the severity. If you felt improvement on Saturday along with a reduction in fever, it is likely tha...[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms, Causes, and Recovery
Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
There is a dull pain in the lower right area of the chest, and there is tenderness upon palpation? Hello Dr. Hong, Since May of last year, I have been experiencing a dull pain in the lower right side of my chest (approximately to the right of the xiphoid process) that lasts for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the location you described is indeed at the junction of the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Many diseases need to be considered. According to your description, the chest X-ray is normal, so the most likely issue is gastritis. It is recommended to f...[Read More] Understanding Right Lower Chest Pain: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Muscle Soreness: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Muscle soreness Three weeks ago, I initially only had lower back pain, and then the following week, I started experiencing soreness in both thighs, which has continued until now. It's just soreness; there is no pain or weakness, and my lower back pain has resolved. I also vi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based solely on the symptoms you described, it is difficult to provide a definitive answer. In making a differential diagnosis, we not only consider the symptoms described by the patient but also need to conduct a physical examination. However, ...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Soreness: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Options
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
What is the likelihood of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor Gao. At the beginning of April this year, I woke up one day with pain and stiffness in my shoulders and neck, making it almost impossible to turn my head normally. This lasted for more than a week, but then it gradua...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on your symptoms, the likelihood of you having ankylosing spondylitis is very low, so there is no need to worry; I believe your travel plans should not be affected. However, the issue of night sweats and fever still needs to be addressed....[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Left posterior flank pain? Hello Doctor: Recently, I have not been feeling well and have been experiencing physical and mental tension. Two weeks ago, I had a four-day episode of head pressure and dizziness (migraine), and I occasionally feel my heart racing. I visited an ENT spe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the previous symptoms were indeed more indicative of a cold. However, considering the recent situation, it is highly suspected that you may have a urinary tract stone. I recommend that you consult a urologist, as you may need to undergo a urinaly...[Read More] Understanding Left-Sided Lower Back Pain: Causes and Next Steps
Do I Need Another STD Test After Safe Sex with a Stranger?
Regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)..? Hello, Doctor Liao. I would like to ask you about an incident that occurred on November 20 of last year, where I had sexual relations with a stranger. I used a condom during intercourse, but did not use one during oral sex. I regr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding concerns about sexually transmitted infections, here is the response: 1. The incubation period should refer to the window period; for HIV, the longest is three to six months, so if you were tested a year ago, you should be fine. 2. However, there may st...[Read More] Do I Need Another STD Test After Safe Sex with a Stranger?
Understanding B Vitamins: Allergies, Kidney Health, and Monitoring Needs
Questions related to B vitamins? Hello, Doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing glossitis and have been taking B vitamins. After taking them, I sometimes feel a general sensation of heat, and sometimes I do not. Is this an allergic reaction? Could it cause kidney damage? Addit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Taking any medication or dietary supplements can lead to a variety of non-specific bodily reactions, so I'm not certain if your symptoms are an allergic reaction. However, most allergic reactions typically present with itching and skin ras...[Read More] Understanding B Vitamins: Allergies, Kidney Health, and Monitoring Needs
Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: When to Seek Medical Attention
Mitral valve prolapse Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse in February and was prescribed medication at that time. Recently, I've been experiencing sudden shortness of breath while lying down or sitting, which is quite uncomfortable. Previously, this wou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, valve issues are concerning as they may be accompanied by arrhythmias, heart failure, or pulmonary edema. These conditions require a personal examination for accurate assessment. Therefore, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, it is advisable to seek medical attent...[Read More] Understanding Mitral Valve Prolapse: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding HIV Testing: Rapid Tests vs. Blood Draws Explained
HIV rapid test and blood draw? Hello, doctor. I had unprotected sexual intercourse at the beginning of September last year. Although I know there is a low risk of transmission, I still felt very anxious and had trouble sleeping. Around late December, I went to a health center for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: If you are still concerned, you may consider having another check-up around six months later; if everything is still normal at that time, you can feel reassured. Thank you![Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Rapid Tests vs. Blood Draws Explained
Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Is vasculitis serious? I previously experienced frequent lower back pain and visited a rheumatologist who mentioned it was similar to ankylosing spondylitis. Later, due to other health issues, I underwent blood tests again, and the doctor diagnosed me with vasculitis. He mentione...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, it seems that you have a positive result for cold agglutinin IgM (1+), which is abnormal. There are many types of vasculitis, and the severity depends on the symptoms and the extent of organ involvement. It is advisable to seek medical attention for a comprehensive underst...[Read More] Is Vasculitis Serious? Understanding Risks and Implications for Young Patients
Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
How to improve blood sugar levels? Last Friday, I suddenly experienced itching all over my body, and I was worried it might be diabetes. I felt very low and anxious for three consecutive days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday—resulting in insufficient sleep. On Monday, I went to the h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Cc: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. A fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. A 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dl during an oral glucose toleranc...[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar Levels: Concerns and Solutions for Anxiety-Driven Results
Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Kidney proteinuria Hello, doctor. I have some questions I would like to ask you. Question 1: This week, I observed that my urine has a lot of bubbles and appears cloudy after each bathroom visit. I also experience pain in both sides of my lower back. Could this indicate protein...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
1. The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate the presence of urinary albumin; actual conditions should be confirmed through testing. 2. To assess kidney function, it is essential to conduct relevant kidney function tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, he...[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: Kidney Health Concerns and Symptoms
Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Understanding Elevated Protein S Levels During IVF: What You Need to Know
Slightly elevated protein S? Hello Doctor: I have recently undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and had my Protein S levels tested, which came back at 130%. The normal range for Protein S at the IVF clinic is 60-120%. The IVF doctor did not provide any specific explan...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Miss Hsiao-Chin, in clinical practice, we pay more attention to the issue of low protein S levels. If the protein S test results are simply elevated, it usually does not pose significant clinical problems. For more detailed information, please be sure to consult your physic...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Protein S Levels During IVF: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hypothyroidism: Should You Take Medication or Seek Further Testing?
Hypothyroidism issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently undergoing infertility treatment, so I need to check if there are any issues with my thyroid. Hospital A tested and found that I have hypothyroidism, with a TSH level of 7.026 (the standard range is 0.35-5.5). They prescribed EL...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Gua: 1. Personally, I am unsure how to answer your question. 2. I can only tell you that, according to general medical principles, hypothyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of T3 (triiodothyronine), decreased levels of T4 (thyroxine), and increased lev...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism: Should You Take Medication or Seek Further Testing?
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks of Infection After Mixed Test Results
If the other person tested positive for HIV on their first test but did not have a second test, is there a risk of transmission to me? I was a woman, and a few days ago I had an encounter with a man. Later, during our conversation, he mentioned that he tested positive for HIV dur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the previous case of testing positive for HIV during military service, the response is as follows: 1. HIV testing is conducted in two stages: first is the ELISA test, and second is the Western blot test. 2. The former is a screening method that measures...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks of Infection After Mixed Test Results