Worried Sick
Hello - I recently took in a homeless woman who was actually very attractive. She had a 9 month old child with her, so I allowed them both to come and stay with me.
After a week or so, I had unprotected sex with her which was great, and with her body so beautiful and shapely, and clean, I performed oral on her, and did so for about 3o minutes until she finally climaxed into my mouth, which I swallowed while in the heat of passion. We finished our sexual encounter, and I thought to myself how great the experience was.
2 days later, I woke up with an extreme sore throat (that was 10 days ago), and it still persists.
Worried, I went to see my doctor on day 5, and had a strep test done, as well as being tested for STD's Gonorrhea, Syphillis, and oral Chlamydia, as well as an HIV test which I know wasn't going to detect this quickly, but my doctor advised of it, so I had it done.
3 days later, all tests came back negative, but now into day 10 after that encounter, my throat is still sore which is where my worry is.
I can't help but think that this homeless woman was/is HIV positive, and that the reason for my sore throat is due to HIV entering my body during my oral sex of her?
I have read enough to know that the chances of transmitting HIV while performing oral sex is negligible at best, and therefore likely not to be a way of transmitting this disease, but as my throat is still sore 10 days after performing oral, I still can't help but think that this is what has happened🙁
Please advise -- Thanks
I am glad you reached out because I am sure it has been stressful tackling these questions. We are not medical professionals and cannot advise you about your transmission risk or test results, but I can give you some information that may be useful as you make decisions in the coming weeks.
You're right, HIV can be transmitted through vaginal secretions, but in the case of transmission through oral sex, the risk is at the lower end of the spectrum compared to unprotected vaginal or anal sex. You can definitely learn more about the specifics through this article: https://h-i-v.net/transmission
It sounds like you are 10 days out from possible exposure, so you are still in what is called the 'window period'. The length of window periods can vary based on the test, but HIV tests taken 6 months after a potential exposure are 99.9 percent accurate.
There are some other tests you could talk over with your doctor that have shorter window periods, depending on what symptoms you are exhibiting. More on antibody tests and others here: https://h-i-v.net/test-types
Please keep us posted on how you are doing. I wish you the best and that there is an easy explanation to your sore throat. We have many, many people living good, healthy lives with HIV who can support you if you end up with a positive result.
Thanks again for reaching out,
Liz (Team Member)
Alafia (Peace) Thank you for sharing so transparently with us. I can understand your worry and concern about your throat. I suggest you go get tested again three months from your last test. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member) can you start having illness immediately?
Alafia (Peace) So sorry for your anxiety around your encounter. In a few weeks it will be three months after the encounter and time to be retested for HIV. You probably know that already but I want to make sure you get it on your calendar. Please stay in touch and let us know how things turn out . Wishing you the best. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
