Ask Me Help Desk - How accurate are HIV tests after 3months?

My ex boyfriend and I had sex unprotected 4 times between April 25th and May-20. In August I was tested positive for Chlamydia and I became paranoid and got tested for HIV the following week (Aug 13th). They did the HIV INSTI test, where they prick your finger and test the blood for antibodies and it was negative. Still unsure and paranoid, I went and got tested for everything, including HIV again last week (Sept 23), but this time I went to the health dept where they did a Rapid blood test by taking blood from my arm and I waited 20mins for a result as opposed to just 2mins at the place I was tested at before. Even though all results were negative, I'm still afraid and freaking out because I was told it can take up to 6 months to get a positive result in some people. I am a relatively healthy young female, don't take any medications besides birth control, but ever since this scare I have been noticing I have a yeast infection I cant get rid of (even though just last week the Dr. said there were no signs of yeast or bacteria on or in my vagina), it still feels slightly sensitive than normal and I read recurrent yeast infections are common in people who are HIV positive. I also noticed the lymph nodes near my throat are a little swollen and my throat feels scratchy. I haven't been sexually active since this entire ordeal and I am definitely going back in November for my 6 month test. Can someone give me some peace of mind? Even my sister who is a registered nurse can't seen to calm me down. I just want to know how accurate is a rapid blood test at 4months?

You are overreacting, listen to your sister.

No offense but coming from a plumbing expert, that's not very comforting. Also, what is the explanation for the yeast infection? I just got over one last month and now I have another one. I'm starting to think it could be due to a number of factors, like not having enough moisture in my vagina, using sanitary pads during my period, reducing my intake of yogurt, or my body reacting to my birth control pills. I have only been taking them since July but it seems like the vaginal problems came about after using them.

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Originally Posted by kwapnioski92

No offense but coming from a plumbing expert, that's not very comforting. Also, what is the explanation for the yeast infection? I just got over one last month and now I have another one. I'm starting to think it could be due to a number of factors, like not having enough moisture in my vagina, using sanitary pads during my period, reducing my intake of yogurt, or my body reacting to my birth control pills. I have only been taking them since July but it seems like the vaginal problems came about after using them.

We are old enough to learn a LOT of things in life you don't know yet in your teens or 20's. And your average guy that's been married 20 or 30 years or more knows far more about lady problems than your average 20 something female does. Because we've been through a LOT of things with our girlfriends and wives for decades. In many cases we've got years of experience with multiple women, who as you know.. are not all alike.

THe recurring yeast infection, You give your boyfriend a yeast infection, then you treat yourself, then he gives it back to you. Yeah... that does happen, a lot easier if he's not circumcised.. And you are right, it can also be due to a multitude of other things.

And a scratchy throat.. isn't a symptom of AIDS... you could actually have AIDS for a lot of years before you got the first symptom, that's one of the reasons it was so difficult to deterime how and who was spreading it in the early years... yes I vividly remember that period from college I saw it go from an unknown to the panic period of who really has it or not period... But it has yet to be established you have it, your tests so far have been negative. WHich makes it really unlikely, and your next negative makes it even that much more unlikely.

I don't have a boyfriend. I haven't been sexually active with this person since May. So there are no chances of him transferring infections back and fourth. I haven't been sexually active at all in quite some time. But thank you for your answers.

I'd recommend a talk with your gynecologyst on your next visit about the recurring yeast infections. THere is a fairly long list of things that can make you suceptible to that as well as certain medications that will. They will have the benefit of knowing your medical history... something none of us would.