How soon after unprotected sex should one have an HIV test and how reliable are the results?
114565
The best way to do it is this:\n\nHave a test as soon as possible after unprotected sex or other risky contact such as sharing needles.  This will establish a baseline- after all, you might have HIV and not know it, so this will let you know if you do.\n\nThen, if the result is negative, in three months have another test. This result is usually (around 90%) accurate.  Of course, you don't want to fall in that margin of error, so in another 3 months, take a third test.  If this test is negative, then you are totally in the clear.  As long as you have not had unsafe sex or risky contact of any kind during the 6 month period since the first test, then you can be certian beyond a reasonable doubt that you do not have HIV.\n\nWhile we are talking about testing, keep in mind a couple of things:\n\n1.  Where you get your test is very important.  You want to go to an agency or organization that provides what is called "disclosure councilling"- meaning that they will talk you through the experience of having the test, and be able to help you understand your behavior surrounding risk and what you can do to minimize it in the future.  There are lots of organizations that do this,  particularly within the gay community. Be aware also that there are testing centers devoted to certian groups within our culture- for example, African-American or Asian-American testing centers- where they might speak your language or understand your background better...so they are better equipped to deal with your issues.\n\n2.  Be sure that you understand the difference between "Confidential" and "Anonymous" testing.  Anonymous testing means that a number is assigned to your case file at the testing center, and that your name is never attached to that file.  To get your results, you simply give your number.  Confidential testing attaches your name to the file, so there is a risk, however slight, that this information may be leaked to insurance agencies or the government.\n\nGood luck! Remember that knowing your status is a heck of a lot better than not knowing....
332834
That's not one that I've heard of, but a follow up confirmatory test will tell if you have HIV or not.\n\nUsually an Elisa test is done first.  If that is positive, then blood from the same sample will be tested with a Western Blot test.  The Western Blot is specific to HIV - so if it's positive, then you are HIV positive.\n\nMany things can throw an Elisa test off - pregnancy, lupus, flu vaccine, hepatitis (past or present infection,) hepatitis vaccines, etc.
468511
You are smart. Make sure he is tested for Hepatitis, not just HIV. I would request HSV and VDRL serologies also. These would rule out syphillis and herpes. Repeat these in 3 and 6 months after as well and use condoms.\n\nConsider his willingness to do the testing and allay your fears as a sign that he is committed to the relationship and respects you.
1031226
if the intercourse performed is unsafe then woman can get pregnant otherwise not. therefore use any of these things: male condoms, female condoms, other precations etc. take good care and perform safe sex for 3to 4 days after periods.
417107
Anytime you have unprotected sex you run the risk of getting pregnant.  Not every woman has "textbook" periods and can ovulate at any time.  The only definitive pregnancy test is a blood test and that can be done by your doctor.  If I were you, I would do as that other answerer suggested and educate yourself before you engage in any more intercourse.  If you don't want to do that, insist that your boyfriend or significant other use a condom, EVERY time you have sex!
783789
if you have been having unprotected sex then the only way to be sure you are not pregnant is by taking a test.
1122387
1- your partner either has to be  a  virgin\n\n2-  Your partner even if a virgin should be tested for STD and retested in 6 monthss prior to you getting pregnant\n\n3- or there is always artificial methods- visit your local spern bank
49478
If you have *unprotected* sex with someone who has HIV/AIDS, the odds are quite good that you will get it too.\n\nAn hour or so of pleasure isn't worth dying for.
64587
Unprotected sex, no matter how long can transfer Aids.  The aids may not show up in the blood for a month or two.  Hope you learned something from it, like not having sex without some sort of protection.
936535
Don't listed to Lita, you can't get HIV from touching someone!  If you used protection it is unlikely that you would get HIV.  I would get tested for everything just to be safe.  If it comes back negative, get tested again in 6 months because sometimes the virus takes time to show up.    Be careful and make sure that you use protection every time!
1037615
You need to wait at least 10 days after having sex, but I'd say wait 2 weeks. The sooner you take it, the more chances there is of getting a false negative.
400443
It is absolutely critical that when you have sex, especially if you do not know the status of the person you are with that you use a condom.  That being said, I can say that I know people who make exceptions to this when they are in a committed relationship with someone.  If they're both tested, both clean, don't sleep around then hey bb.  Other than an instance like that it is still highly unsafe.  Then again, statistically the numbers of reported HIV cases are rising among younger people, so that does say something.
525912
Unprotected Oral Sex is unsafe.For Example in case of HIV,Oral sex is supposed to be a Low Risk Activity,but pls note there is still a Risk.The risk increases in case one has Bleeding Gums,Ulsers/Boils in the Mouth.\nHaving said this,if u dont want to get any STD the best way is to practice Abstinance from Sex until Marriage.After Marriage,be faithful to your uninfected life partner.This is a sure way to keep HIV away.\nABC's of safe sex are:\nA: Abstinance\nB:Being faithful to 1 uninfected partner.\nC:Correct and consistent use of condoms reduces the chances\nof STD's.\nStay Safe.
968653
I believe the HIV virus is detectable in blood tests ater about 3-6 months from contracting it.
32862
Sometimes pregnancy tests will not show up positive (even if you are pregnant) if you take it too soon after you got pregnant.  If I were you, I would wait at least 7 to 10 days after the last time you had sex and take another test.  Generally, drinking a lot of water would NOT affect the results of your pregnancy test.
1011367
AIDS usually shows up positive 6-12 months after being infected. Your friend is going to have to wait till then to get tested. I have been tested a few times, and all they did was take a swab from the inside of my vagina and send it to the lab. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get the results back (depending how fast the lab takes). They also might want to take a blood sample.\n\nThe doctor doesn't really ask you very many questions. She might ask if you think you were exposed to someone who had HIV/AIDS, how long ago, was it unprotected or not...things like that. \n\nUnfortunately there is no free test. If you go to your OBGYN or doctor it is usually covered by the insurance, if you don't have insurance it can be pretty expensive. Good luck to your friend!
690403
start immediately on postexposure prophylaxis wit antivirals even if tests are negative. the tests may take a few weeks to show positive for the hiv.