Can HIV Be Contracted Through Protected Sex?

Posted on Sun, 23 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 23 Oct 2016 Answered on

Wed, 9 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I had protected sex with a hooker on 27th August and 11 days later ran a PCR RNA test which was negative. 6 weeks later I ran a combo test which was negative. My question is:-
1. Are both tests enough to say I'm completely negative?
2. Can I move on with my life and forget this incident.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can move on

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us. I can understand your concern.

I frequently get such type of questions from many of the males about concern of HIV. Almost all of them came negative results.

In your case first of all it was protected sex means 95-99% no chance of HIV.

You had undergone PCR-RNA test which is used to detect viral load within 4 weeks of exposure which is negative and at 6 weeks Combo test was also negative. This confirms no chance of infection.

Practicality you should not worry and move ahead in your life without worry.

Theoretically you should go for ELISA testing after 3 months for final assurance.

In conclusion you should forget the incident and move ahead and as a routine practice go for testing once after 3 months to complete the process.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (7 minutes later)

Given that the combo test is conclusive at 6 weeks because I was postive then either Antigen or antibody would be positive. Right? So, given that I can refrain from testing. My doctor also told me not to retest. I'm just curious because the UK and USA guidelines say that testing at 6 weeks is conclusive.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are right

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for follow up.

You read it right and I also told practicality no need of testing.

Incubation period of HIV in most of the persons is up to 3 months. Theoretically you should go for re testing at 3 months. However if during 3 months no symptoms one can avoid the test.

Hope you are clear now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (7 minutes later)

I've had no symptoms sir. So, I think, I'll not retest. Sir, if we understand the method of Combo test. In a positive patient at 4-6 weeks, either antigen or antibody because if antigen is present, antibody may be present and if antibody is present, antigen wouldn't be present, so, on the basis of this, the window period gets reduced to a month based on UK and USA guidelines. Right?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is ok if you do not go for retest

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

You are right about antigen antibody concept.
If you will not go for retest, it is absolutely fine.

Take care.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar