Help My Understanding! - HIV Prevention Message Board

LynnDewald · 09-23-2003, 03:52 PM

Im sorry this is somewhat long, please bear with me as Im scared and wanting advice as much as the next person.

I am an 18 year old heterosexual woman and I have had unprotected sex 3 times. Once was when I was 14 as I was raped by an older, heterosexual man. The second time was with a boyfriend, yet there was no ejaculation and penetration only held place for a short minute. The third is with my current boyfriend and we continue to have unprotected sex as we plan to get married and have been together for two years. Those were not my only partners, just partners that did not use protection. Years ago I contracted genital herpes after a sexual assult (but not rape) with a man. My current boyfriend does know about that. Now, my questions are this: Are there any true symptoms of HIV? What (honestly) do you think are my chances of contracting? Wouldn't I know (through symptoms) I have it if I would have contracted over a year ago?

Im sorry if these questions seem silly. If you could spend some time explaining those things to me it would help my understanding...

Snowman24 · 09-23-2003, 04:15 PM

i am not really sure, but if it happened a year ago, i think you would know by now. my only advice is that just from now on make sure your having safe and protected sex UNLESS you are SURE that you are ready to handle the possibilites of a baby or aids/hiv

CuteSouthernGrl · 09-23-2003, 04:29 PM

Lynn... I am just as scared as you are about contracting HIV, I think all of us here are. As far as your risk, unprotected vaginal intercourse is a risk for HIV. As far as symptoms, after my possible exposure, I thought the same way as your thinking.."if I had it, wouldn't I know?" Unfortunately, no you wouldn't know b/c someone can have HIV and NOT KNOW for many many many years. There are no definite symptoms of HIV and you can't diagnose HIV based on symptoms. The only way you will know for sure is to be tested. 3 months from your last possible exposure will give you an accurate result. Go get tested... it will put your mind at ease.

summer33ny · 09-23-2003, 07:10 PM

I have heard of people having HIV for 10 yrs without even knowing it. Not everyone has symptoms and even if you were to have symptoms, there is no real way to differentiate them from any other virus as the symptoms of HIV are the same as most other viruses. The only way to know for sure is to be tested. I don't know what the actual statistics would be of your contracting HIV but it is really recommended that you get tested especially if you are diagnosed with other STDs.

[This message has been edited by summer33ny (edited 09-23-2003).]