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Can An I-pill Taken After Intercourse Affect HIV Test Results?

Posted on Fri, 16 Jun 2017

Question: Hello sir I went to my gynecologist and asked for a via/villi test but she said I don't need that test - she said she would do the via/villi if anything abnormal comes up on the Pap smear and as I don't have any physical symptoms( genital warts) she don't see why she should do that test and said it would be unnecessary testing ethically speaking as my Pap test is normal. I also asked her about asymptomatic existence of HPV internally but she said your Pap is normal and nothing to worry and forget about it - what would you suggest me to do now sir ?
2. Can I-PILL taken immediately after high risk exposure effect the test taken for hiv after 1.5 yrs of exposure and beyond ? As you already know my results are non reactive . Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
PAP smear can rule out the pathology of cervix and not vagina.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome once again to HCM.
1. PAP smear is taken from cervix. So it will rule out the pathology concerned with Cervix. Whereas HPV (genital warts) can occur over inner aspect of vagina (other than cervix, a large area exists) which you can not visualize yourself.
If your gynecologist is sure enough about the examination she did with you is ok, the follow her advice.
2. I pill is also a contraceptive tablet. Nothing (including I pill) can affect the outcome of the HIV test result beyond 6 months after the exposure.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (12 hours later)

Sir is it the usage of steroids and other IV drugs like cocaine, heroine etc (chemical components by themselves)that pose the risk of hiv transmission and prolongation of the window period from 3 to 6 months or is it the sharing of needles amongst IV drug users and steroid users that pose the risk of hiv transmission by making them the high risk patient group ??

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroids delay sero-conversion.Sharing of needle facilitates transmission.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Don't get confused yourself.
High risk for HIV transmission is different from that of delay in antibody formation.
Steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs can delay the sero-conversion by interfering with the immune system of the body.
Sharing of needles by IV drug users promotes HIV transmission as they inject the drugs intravenously. The contaminated needle is shared by many at a time as they are using this drugs in group which becomes cheaper for them.
Dr S.Murugan

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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