
Hi Doctor...l Had Protected Sex With Someone Who's Std Status

Question: Hi Doctor...l had protected sex with someone who's std status was unknown to me. As far as I recall the condom was intact and there was no other exposure. this happened in November last year... after that I was a bit nervous of contracting any STD, so I visited a doctor who put me on PEP. l took the full 1 months course. After 40 days of exposure, I got STD panel, and no disease was found...for HIV l had RNA PCR, elisa and p24 combo test.. To be sure of HIV l repeated p24 combo and elisa at 4 months post exposure or 3 months post PEP...the antibody screening test and p24 Both came negative or non reactive....do l need any further tests am l free of HIV..,is this conclusive?
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV Infection and STD
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor'
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all, you had protected exposure and verified your condom was intact.
So there is almost no possibility of HIV /STD transmission.
You had completed PEP successfully. So there is no chance of HIV infection. Moreover you had your HIV Combo test and PCR tests were Non-reactive even after the window period.
So you are free from HIV Infection and Syphilis. No further tests are required. Relax and enjoy your days ahead.
Dr S Murugan
You are free from HIV Infection and STD
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor'
Thanks for posting your query.
First of all, you had protected exposure and verified your condom was intact.
So there is almost no possibility of HIV /STD transmission.
You had completed PEP successfully. So there is no chance of HIV infection. Moreover you had your HIV Combo test and PCR tests were Non-reactive even after the window period.
So you are free from HIV Infection and Syphilis. No further tests are required. Relax and enjoy your days ahead.
Dr S Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana


Thanks doctor...l am looking to get married in the next couple of months... can l move on with it, I don't want to be putting someone else at risk if there is any doubt on my HIV status....l have read somewhere that 6 months is the benchmark somewhere 3 months for HIV testing... what is the rule here?... Also, which test done at each of these times can rule out HIV?
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Normally the HIV window period is 3 months only. If the individual is on Immnosuppressive drugs then the window period can extend up to 6 months. As you had completed PEP and your sex is protected you are safe and can have sex.
But as per PEP guidelines the follow up needs 6 months. After a nonreactive final test at 6 months one can declared free from HIV. So have a test after 6 months after the exposure before Getting married.
Dr S.Murugan
You are free from HIV infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Normally the HIV window period is 3 months only. If the individual is on Immnosuppressive drugs then the window period can extend up to 6 months. As you had completed PEP and your sex is protected you are safe and can have sex.
But as per PEP guidelines the follow up needs 6 months. After a nonreactive final test at 6 months one can declared free from HIV. So have a test after 6 months after the exposure before Getting married.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Thanks doctor... so can I say that for practical purposes l don't have HIV and that the test at 6 months is just a confirmation of the 3 month status, i.e free from HIV?... also what are the chances of seroconversion happening later, if HIV is undetected in the tests.... should I get PCR test done or is Elisa antibody p24 antigen duo combo test enough?
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You are absolutely correct. You are already free from HIV infection. The HIV test after 6 months is just an extra confirmation.
HIV 4th generation Combo test is reliable to the extent of more than 99% after 12 weeks. It was nonreactive for you after 3 months. You need no further HIV PCR test for you.
Dr S.Murugan
You are free from HIV infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You are absolutely correct. You are already free from HIV infection. The HIV test after 6 months is just an extra confirmation.
HIV 4th generation Combo test is reliable to the extent of more than 99% after 12 weeks. It was nonreactive for you after 3 months. You need no further HIV PCR test for you.
Dr S.Murugan
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T

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