Should I get tested for HIV

Hey folks.

I went to give blood around a month ago, and couldn't do so as the medication I am currently on for depression.

However, whilst reading the form it got me thinking about HIV. I have had quite a lot of un-protected sex, probably around 5 guys. Now, I don;t know if im just paranoid or what but should I get tested? I know symptons wont show for a few years after you contract, so obviously I have no idea I have it.

Im a lot more careful now, went through a self destruction phase where I didn't really care what happened, now I regret this obviously. 2 of these unprotected encounters happened abroad :frown:

Should I, or should I not get tested?

Reply 1

Barny

17

No harm in getting tested, the chances of having HIV are slim, however.

Reply 2

WokSz

17

I think it's always good to get it done. If it is positive, then you can receive the right medical care. Remember: The earlier you catch a disease, the better.

Reply 3

puppy

Anonymous

Hey folks.

I went to give blood around a month ago, and couldn't do so as the medication I am currently on for depression.

However, whilst reading the form it got me thinking about HIV. I have had quite a lot of un-protected sex, probably around 5 guys. Now, I don;t know if im just paranoid or what but should I get tested? I know symptons wont show for a few years after you contract, so obviously I have no idea I have it.

Im a lot more careful now, went through a self destruction phase where I didn't really care what happened, now I regret this obviously. 2 of these unprotected encounters happened abroad :frown:

Should I, or should I not get tested?

Of course you should get tested, it'll put your mind at rest if nothing else. You should get a full check up so you can start with a clean slate. Make sure it's been at least 3 months since you last had unprotected sex otherwise HIV wouldn't show up anyway.

It's an hour of your time for peace of mind, definately worth doing.

Reply 4

Né Stig

15

What harm can it do?

You should always get checked out periodically.

Reply 5

dannywales

1

of course you should.. why even ask? lol

Reply 6

dogtanian

16

No harm in doing so. You're clearly a little worked up about it, so why not try and sort that out with a test.

Bear in mind though that HIV can take up to six months after you've been infected to show up in a blood test.

Reply 7

ChanandlerBong

7

Definately get yourself tested.

Reply 8

Anonymous #1

OP

Thanks. I think first and foremost, I'll be alright but won't do any harm to double check and as you all say, clean slate.

Reply 9

Kittennffc

15

You have unprotected sex, you get yourself checked for every STI going, no question about it.

Reply 10

dogtanian

16

I'd also say it's probably just as pressing, if not more, to get tested for other STIs. they might not be as nasty as HIV, but they're certainly more common and important to spot early on.

Ogain, no harm in putting your mind at rest, is there?

Reply 11

Barny

17

I'll just add, the chances are slim unless it was africa that you were having unprotected sex :p:

Reply 12

Barny

17

Kittennffc

You have unprotected sex, you get yourself checked for every STI going, no question about it.

Chill your beans love, you'll scare the life out of the poor thing.

Reply 13

dead man's shoes

It's very unlikely you have it, it's actually really quite tricky to transmit and we're only talking 5 guys- infection rates here aren't nearly as worrying as the Daily Mail would have us believe. I'm guessing 'abroad' wasn't sub-saharan Africa so really try not to worry about this. I had a couple of times when I really got worried abiout this a couple of years back and the fear gets bigger and bigger in your head, but it's not rational. I would advise you to get checked out for your peace of mind, but in the mean time, don't worry. You'll be fine.

Reply 14

Anonymous #1

OP

We'll last time I had unprotected was last August, so if I had other STIs, would I not know? Im not good with all this sort of thing...

Reply 15

guitargirl03

13

x.narb.x

I'll just add, the chances are slim unless it was africa that you were having unprotected sex :p:

What a stupid thing to say.

In regards to the OP, as the others have said, it's best to check for other STI's as well, just to make sure :smile:

Reply 16

Barny

17

You'd probably know, yes, though some are symptomless.

As dead man shoe's says, theres lots of government scaremongering, its unlikely you've got a disease of any kind, but better to be safe that sorry?

Reply 17

dogtanian

16

A lot of them have no obvious symptoms.

I'm not trying to scare you, but testing ain't so bad, and worth it for peace of mind.

And they give you more free condoms than you can shake a stick at.

Reply 18

Kittennffc

15

x.narb.x

Chill your beans love, you'll scare the life out of the poor thing.

Lol, I wasn't saying it to scare her! Its true though, get checked and be safe? Or leave possible STIs to get progressively worse if left untreated? I know which option i'd take!

Reply 19

Jonatan

13

It would be the wise and responsible thing to do. Typically it is a good idea to get tested between long term relationships and use condoms whenever/if you do casual sex. If everyone stuck to that basic rule HIV would be far less of a problem than it currently is.

Should I get tested for HIV

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