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
Can You Get STDs from Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Contact with the bodily fluids of a patient with a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? 1. I am very concerned about the possibility of contracting syphilis and gonorrhea if items in public places come into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected individual. If I touch the...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your question is actually one that many people have similar concerns about. The primary mode of transmission for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is through contact with genital organs and their secretions. In principle, the secretions from an untreated STI patient m...[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contact with Infected Bodily Fluids?
Understanding Syphilis Treatment: Common Questions and Concerns
Syphilis: A Few Questions Hello doctor, I have been undergoing treatment for syphilis for a year now, and my PRP (Rapid Plasma Reagin) titer has remained at 1:2 without any upward or downward trend. Is this normal? I found information stating that it usually takes 3 to 5 years to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: 1. In addition to relapse, the index may also rise due to reinfection. 2. Not necessarily, as it varies from person to person. Generally, we will follow up every 3 to 6 months. A fourfold decrease indicates effective treatment; however, some individuals may only decrease t...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment: Common Questions and Concerns
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 Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Hepatitis B/C, HIV, syphilis, bloodborne infections from acupuncture? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding an incident at an acupuncture clinic. After the acupuncture needles were removed, there was some bleeding. The physician mistakenly used a cotton ball that had been us...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: First, if your wound has come into contact with another person's blood, there is indeed a risk of bloodborne infection. Second, if the other person is confirmed to be negative for Hepatitis B/C and HIV, then you would not be at risk of in...[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Understanding Memory Loss and Neurological Symptoms in Syphilis
Xiao Mei's response? Hello, doctor. I am 135310, and I have been experiencing some unusual symptoms recently, including slight memory decline, frequent episodes of zoning out, difficulty concentrating, and occasional balance issues. Are these symptoms related to vascular syp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that some individuals may not fully return to normal after syphilis treatment, and it is important to continuously monitor symptoms and test results to assess recovery. If the test results remain low and the person experiences no discomfort, it may be considered...[Read More] Understanding Memory Loss and Neurological Symptoms in Syphilis
Understanding PRP Levels in Syphilis: What You Need to Know
Syphilis Issues Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with syphilis last September, and my PRP titer was 1:2. After treatment, the titer remained the same at 1:2. The doctor said I have been treated successfully and do not need medication anymore. However, the titer is still stuck at 1:2...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some individuals may have a syphilis titer that remains low and does not return to zero. There are two possible explanations for this. First, there may be some complications, such as neurosyphilis or vascular syphilis. Second, it could be that the individual's body si...[Read More] Understanding PRP Levels in Syphilis: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV and Syphilis Testing: When to Get Retested
HIV and Syphilis Screening You had sexual contact with an online acquaintance on December 29 of last year, during which you performed oral sex but did not allow him to ejaculate in your mouth. This year, you underwent syphilis RPR/TPPA and HIV combi tests on February 3 and April ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to follow up for at least 6 months after exposure. If it is a high-risk situation, the follow-up may need to be extended to one year. Therefore, it is advised to have a follow-up in June of this year. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV and Syphilis Testing: When to Get Retested
Does Syphilis Affect HIV Testing Window Period?
Factors Affecting the Detection Window Period Hello, if someone is infected with syphilis, will it affect the window period for HIV testing? Can a negative result from an HIV combo blood test at 84 days rule out HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, being infected with syphilis does not significantly affect the window period for HIV testing. As for the HIV combo blood test at 84 days, the chance of being infected with HIV is relatively very low, but it cannot completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Thank...[Read More] Does Syphilis Affect HIV Testing Window Period?
Can I Rule Out Infection After Multiple Negative Tests?
Will there be a turnaround? Doctor, I had a high-risk exposure on October 7th. I took an RTPCR test on October 18th and November 9th, and I also had P24 antigen and antibody tests done at 10 days, 33 days, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 10 weeks, all of which were negative. I hav...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Akai: 1. Your question was already addressed on December 4, 2017. In addition to considering HIV, there are many other potential diagnoses that need to be clarified regarding your symptoms of fever, lymphadenopathy, and diarrhea in order to provide appropriate treatmen...[Read More] Can I Rule Out Infection After Multiple Negative Tests?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Unexplained fever with persistent low-grade fever? Hello doctor, I had a herpes outbreak on my lips before December 2nd. On December 1st, I accidentally ingested water from a drainage ditch and kitchen waste. From December 2nd to December 14th, I started experiencing fever, with ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since I cannot see the condition of your blisters, I cannot make a clear assessment. However, based on your description, it is most likely a herpes infection. This is primarily transmitted through contact and should not be directly related to drinking contaminated water; i...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Possible Causes and Concerns
Can I Trust My Test Results? Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Diagnosis
Can it be confirmed or not? Doctor, I am from Tainan. On October 7th, I was at high risk. On October 14th, I experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea. On October 18th, I went to a testing facility for an RTPCR test (negative), and the P24 test was also (negative). On November 2nd,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kai: 1. HIV RT-PCR is primarily used in the early stages of HIV infection, approximately around 7 days post-exposure. If infection has occurred, the viral load is very low, so PCR is utilized in the laboratory to amplify the viral quantity, allowing for the detection ...[Read More] Can I Trust My Test Results? Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding Syphilis Titers: Can They Decrease Over Time?
Syphilis index Hello doctor, I discovered in September that I was infected with syphilis, with a titer of 1:2. After taking the antibiotics prescribed by the doctor for a month, I returned for a follow-up, and the doctor said the titer remained the same at 1:2, which seems diffic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Infection with Syphilis...>, the response is as follows: A: 1. The current testing methods for syphilis are RPR/VDRL and TPHA/TPPA. Both tests measure antibodies produced in response to the syphilis pathogen, rather than detecting the pathogen...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Titers: Can They Decrease Over Time?
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Can Syphilis Test Results Ever Be Zero? Understanding Transmission Risks
Can the syphilis index be zero? I would like to ask, if I only have a positive TPHA and negative RPR or VDRL, can I still transmit the infection to others? The test was conducted two years ago, and I received treatment at that time. This year, during follow-up, my titers have dec...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Can the index for syphilis be zero?> The response is as follows: According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) (see attachment) on page 5, the case definition for reporting conditions is as follows: 1. Clinical conditions: (1) The pre...[Read More] Can Syphilis Test Results Ever Be Zero? Understanding Transmission Risks
Understanding the Risk of HIV After a Syphilis Diagnosis
Fear of AIDS I would like to ask if someone has recently been confirmed to have syphilis, but they mentioned that it has been 2 months since their syphilis diagnosis. Their test results showed no HIV reaction, only syphilis. I will be getting tested after 3 months. Is it possible...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether I could have contracted HIV after three months of testing, here are the key points: A. The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV After a Syphilis Diagnosis
Unexplained Symptoms After Sexual Encounter: Seeking Medical Guidance
I don't know what this disease is. It seems like a rare condition? Hello Dr. Liao, I had sexual intercourse on October 2, 2016, with a male partner. I was the receptive partner, and he suddenly sat on me, which startled me, but there was no penetration. Later, we used a cond...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: A. Regarding the response to "the most expensive urology clinic": Frotin, Cefspan, Doxynin, and Azithromycin are all antibiotics, differing in the sexually transmitted pathogens they cover. It is unclear if you have experienced any unusual symptoms after ...[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms After Sexual Encounter: Seeking Medical Guidance
Understanding HIV Testing: Is 7-8 Months Enough for Accurate Results?
HIV Issues Doctor, I engaged in high-risk behavior (unprotected oral sex) about 7 to 8 months ago and underwent anonymous testing for HIV and syphilis at a hospital. Both results were negative. Does this confirm that I am not infected? Is there a need for further testing? Are the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of HIV, here is the response: A: 1. After each instance of high-risk behavior or sharing needles or diluents for drug use, monitoring should be conducted for at least three to six months. 2. If the test results are negative after three to six mon...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is 7-8 Months Enough for Accurate Results?
Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor: Since being diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis (within one year), I have received three injections of 2.4 million units of penicillin on February 20, February 24, and March 4. However, as of today, March 12, the rash on my hand (which has resolved on...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding issues related to secondary syphilis infection, the following recommendations are provided: 1. You have received three doses of medication on February 20, February 27, and March 4, which should be sufficient; there is no need for a fourth injection. 2. You...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment Progress and Concerns
Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?
A low lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count near the upper limit of normal could potentially indicate various conditions, including HIV. However, these findings alone are not definitive for an HIV diagnosis. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evalu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Regarding <My Story>, the response is as follows: 1. I discovered painful urination and purulent discharge in mid-December last year and immediately sought medical attention at a clinic. However, there was no discharge during the examination. The doctor administered an in...[Read More] Low Lymphocyte Count: Could It Indicate HIV Infection?