I had unprotected sex with an IV user

[Iamconcerned]

Hello, I am a 21 year old female and I am here to discuss the fact that I had unprotected sex with an IV drug user, who I believe has also shared needles before. We were both very intoxicated, and one thing led to the next. We both gave one another unprotected oral sex, which then led to unprotected vaginal sex. He had also tried to have anal sex, but it did not happen. This was a one night stand kind of thing, but I know the guy in my general life, and I just was over his house again the day after we had sex, but only hanging out as usual with no additional sex. By the way, this happened during this week and I know it is too early to test for STD's and the likes. So, all I'm asking here is what should I do now? I so far have taken the morning after pill, but I don't know how to calm down this anxiety that I am having. This was so out of character and this is literally the first time this has ever happened.

What steps should I take after this? What if I contracted something that is never going to go away? I feel so ashamed. I know mistakes happen in life, but this was a very huge mistake.

 

[flyhighk]

Imo all you can do is pray and hope for the best. You should get std tests done of course. Good luck

 

[OverDone]

Don't get too far ahead of yourself. Get tested and take it from there.

In the US, you can get tested for free (resources dependant upon location). What's nice is that there is a new rapid test for Hep C. Its a simple finger prick that tests for the antibodies that fight the infection. They'll prick your finger and have you wait a few minutes.

If you test positive, it simply means you have been exposed to Hep and you'll be sent for further testing.

Below is some data from the cdc website:

Is it possible for someone to become infected with HCV and then spontaneously clear the infection?
Yes. Approximately 15%–25% of persons clear the virus from their bodies without treatment and do not develop chronic infection; the reasons for this are not well known.

What percentage of persons infected with HCV develop symptoms of acute illness?
Approximately 20%–30% of those newly infected with HCV experience fatigue, abdominal pain, poor appetite, or jaundice.

How soon after exposure to HCV can anti-HCV be detected?
HCV infection can be detected by anti-HCV screening tests (enzyme immunoassay) 4–10 weeks after infection. Anti-HCV can be detected in >97% of persons by 6 months after exposure.

http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/HCVfaq.htm#section1

More info here: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/HCV/index.htm

HIV testing can also be done at no cost.
If you are in the US, a testing provider can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/

 

[Badroll7]

wow, well look we've all made mistakes. Get tested. there is a 3 month window though. I have been there and done that. I know your panicking and worried. to ease your mind ask the dude straight up last time he's been tested. I hope it works out for you hun.

 

[Maya]

Yes like what everyone already mentioned please get tested to make sure you are clear of stds etc. Please learn fro. This experience and don't do it again.

 

[Wobblier]

Get tested, you'll be fine. Still fairly low risk when you take into account all the factors.

Just some factors:
-Are you from a high risk country? I'm guessing not.
-One time virginal intercourse is still quite low risk (even if he is HIV+ you still might be negative)
-you can write off the oral sex, too low risk to even note.

Questions:
-Has he been tested? Have you asked? Not all IV drug users have blood born viruses.
-When did you have sex? Probably be too late to take some PEP drugs now
- have you thought about buying some PEP / PreP drugs for the future, just in case?
- How is your mental health, have you been stressing out about catching HIV etc before? Look into - HIV anxiety - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Good news:
If you did get a blood born virus it is not the end of the world / death sentence like it used to be - though obviously it would be better you haven't.

Don't beat yourself up, we are all human we all make mistakes.
Try and put it out of your mind until you get tested.

Links (avoid dubious websites they will just result in anxiety):
http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/threads/690158-The-HIV-Megathread
http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/threads/674649-Hepatitis-C-MEGATHREAD
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?board=1.0

I'm newly diagnosed with HIV. PM me if you want to talk or want pointed in the right direction for info'.

Carry condoms with you and Prep and PEP drugs if you want. Avoid situations where you might get intoxicated and have unsafe sex.

It wont harm going to a clinic now for a full check up for all STD's and going back and having a HIV and HCV test once the correct amount of time has passed (sometimes it can show early). Also talking to the professionals there will help, even if it is just to relieve your anxiety.

Everything will be okay, see this as something to learn from

 

[SB1981]

You feel ashamed? Like you're above him?

Did it ever occur to you that he used his own needles? It's a common misconcetption that we share needles and shit. I think a vast majority of us use our own needles once, and don't reuse them. The only shame that you feel should be on your poorly worded and biased statement herein. I'm sorry to come off this way, but that was very simplistic and stereotypical of those of us who use the superior ROA, and also enjoy the injection itself. okay, though. Always ask rather than assume something.

 

[ilikestims]

It's exceedingly difficult to pick up HIV from unprotected sex, just as it's exceedingly difficult to get HIV from sharing needles. The rate of transmission is quite low. Chances are overwhelmingly in your favor that you'll be fine.

 

[haniya11]

U definantly need to be tested! U dont have to feel sick in order to caryy a virus. But u are at a very high risk

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[Ligaturd]

You should find a way of politely asking him... without being accusatory that is. I know it is hard not to freak out and all and some peace of mind would probably help until you are able to get tested. Ask him if he has shared needles and if he gets tested regularly, you deserve to know.

Just noticed that this thread is way past its prime....