Hello Doctors, I have been searching on this forum for the past 80 days and it truly is a wealth of information. On the 19th of November I had a condom break with a sex worker here in the UK, I don't know her status obviously but she seemed nice and had a husband and a kid. The condom broke but did not come off so my penis end remained covered, the whole thing only lasted 15 minutes (unprotected oral etc) so the vaginal sex could only have been for 5 minutes and I changed positions frequently so would have noticed it. She put on another one and I did not ejaculate inside her. I am circumcised and washed my penis after. She supplied the condoms which is a good sign I think.

Now onto the testing, 3 days after I test negative for all STDs and HIV.

27/28 days after I had a rapid antibody test (nurse said they use 4th gen but when asked if it was a duo she responded with a no)

41 days after (Dec 30th) I had a rapid DUO test and at that point some more STD testing, some more blood was sent off for HIV testing and she didn't mention anything about coming back (probably because I said I only came for the rapid DUO test). All results were negative but lets assume the second blood test they sent off was just antibody.

I thought it was over but I still had anxiety so on the 8th of February I went for an Insti test which was negative, the nurse there said that was it and no need for more testing (he worked it out to be around 3 months). I worked that out to be 80/81 days, so I'm anxious that I took it too early but then the rational part of me thinks 3/4 days is not going to make a difference and as I know from you and the Doctors on Medhelp, 3 months is overly conservative. The incident occurred in the evening of 19th Nov, Insti taken on 8th Feb at around 12:30.

1) Am I definitely HIV negative, I guess I just want it written out from a valid source. And you have experience with the Insti test.

2) How do I get over this fear and anxiety? In a way I know that I don't have it but I keep getting anxiety attacks with the what ifs etc.

3) Is it possible to have a phone conversation with one of the doctors if I am still uncertain?

Sorry for writing so much, you are great doctors!

[Dr Jose]

Hello,
Thank you very much for your post and welcome to our forum.
First of all I would like to reassure you regarding your sexual encounter. This was a very low risk one because it was mainly protected and you mention that the head of your penis was always covered and this is the only point of infection. We do not know the status of the lady, and statistically it is more likely that she is negative. Even if you had had full unprotected penetration with her (and she was definitely positive) the risk for you would still be quite low, less than 1 in 1,000 (less than 0.1%). Moreover you are circumcised, which reduces the chance of transmission dramatically.
In addition to that you have had all those negative test results. Let me answer to all your questions here below:

1) Am I definitely HIV negative, I guess I just want it written out from a valid source. And you have experience with the Insti test.
Yes, you are definitely HIV negative. The Insti test performed beyond 60 days is more than enough; in your case was done at 80 days; totally conclusive and final.

2) How do I get over this fear and anxiety? In a way I know that I don't have it but I keep getting anxiety attacks with the what ifs etc.
I do not believe that more tests are going to help. You might need to see a psychotherapist to help you overcome these feelings of anxiety which are most likely related to a lot of guilt too.

3) Is it possible to have a phone conversation with one of the doctors if I am still uncertain?
By all means. You are more than welcome to book a telephone consultation with one of us, whenever convenient.

I hope this helps you.
Best wishes,
José

Hi doctor it's me again. Many thanks for the reply. I had another test whilst waiting for your reply. A negative rapid duo test at 83 days and 12 or so hours. The insti was actually taken at 79 days and around 12 hours. I have a few more questions if that's ok.

I usually apply a gel on my face at night called duac for my acne, I didn't take it for a couple of weeks but I did still use it a few times. It's an antibiotic I think. I'm pretty sure it doesn't effect the tests but just want your knowledge. Does it?

I was also taken weight gaining protein shakes but hadn't taken them a week before the duo test, the nhs nurse said it makes no difference, but again I want your knowledge. Does it effect the tests?

Thanks

[Dr Jose]

Neither the antibiotic treatment for acne, nor the protein shakes would affect the relialibity of these tests. They are final and fully conclusive. You are definitely HIV negative.
Best wishes,
José