This is post I just wanted to highlight three posts I have created that talk about HIV, the window period of HIV and one of the most common questions "Can I get HIV from oral sex?".
Currently the Alere Rapid HIV test is available across the world and it's a 4th generation HIV test. This test tests for three different proteins, HIV1 and HIV2 antibodies as well as P24. A protein that is produced in the body early in HIV seroconversion illness.
These rapid tests are very convenient as they only require a small drop of blood and you are able to leave with a result in under 30 minutes.
The limitation of all tests for HIV are they are limited by "the window period of HIV" which is how soon you can detect HIV after exposure.
Currently the modern 4th generation HIV tests are able to detect HIV infection as early as 14 days and this is due to the combination of their testing for the anitbodies produced against HIV as well as the protein P24.
Of course it's vital to be sure to have a second test after 90 days which is internationally regarded as the time from which a person if infected should definitely have a positive result on standard HIV tests.
Many people have concerns about the transmission of HIV via oral sex.
While this is a concern for many people it's important to understand that HIV is not easily transmitted via oral sex. For this to happen there has to be not only bodily fluids within the mouth but there also needs to be cuts, ulcers or recent dental work to allow HIV to enter the body. This is often not the case and for this reason it's strongly considered highly unlikely that HIV will be transmitted via oral sex.
Of course if you have any questions about HIV be sure to talk with your family doctor or local sexual health clinic.
Saturday, 14 February 2015
What Is The Window Period Of HIV?
A common question asked is "what is the window period of HIV?" and what it means.
To explain this we need to explain what a modern HIV tests for, what happens when you are infected with HIV and how modern rapid HIV tests can help make a difference in earlier detection of HIV infection.
Modern HIV tests that are commonly used do not directly test for the HIV virus. What they do test for is the bodies reaction to the HIV infection. What is tested for is antibodies the body makes to help keep HIV at bay as well as a number of other proteins produced after infection with HIV.
After initial exposure and infection with HIV it takes about 20-30 days for antibodies to be produced at such a level that it's able to be detected.
The time between the exposure to the HIV virus and it's ability to be detected via a test that checks for the antibodies is called "the window period" or the time after exposure before you are able to be diagnosed as HIV positive.
Modern HIV tests now incorporate an additional test checking for a protein called P24. This is a protein that is produced very early in the seroconversion or early infection with HIV.
The Alere rapid HIV test has the ability to check for both HIV1 and HIV2 antibodies as well as P24 which means that the window period is now much shorter with it's ability to detect HIV infection as early as 14 days.
It's important to note that every person's body is different so be sure to understand that you will need to always have a second test around 90 days to be 100% sure of a HIV negative status.
Of course if you have any questions about any of these topics be sure to talk with your gay friendly doctor.
To explain this we need to explain what a modern HIV tests for, what happens when you are infected with HIV and how modern rapid HIV tests can help make a difference in earlier detection of HIV infection.
Modern HIV tests that are commonly used do not directly test for the HIV virus. What they do test for is the bodies reaction to the HIV infection. What is tested for is antibodies the body makes to help keep HIV at bay as well as a number of other proteins produced after infection with HIV.
After initial exposure and infection with HIV it takes about 20-30 days for antibodies to be produced at such a level that it's able to be detected.
The time between the exposure to the HIV virus and it's ability to be detected via a test that checks for the antibodies is called "the window period" or the time after exposure before you are able to be diagnosed as HIV positive.
Modern HIV tests now incorporate an additional test checking for a protein called P24. This is a protein that is produced very early in the seroconversion or early infection with HIV.
The Alere rapid HIV test has the ability to check for both HIV1 and HIV2 antibodies as well as P24 which means that the window period is now much shorter with it's ability to detect HIV infection as early as 14 days.
It's important to note that every person's body is different so be sure to understand that you will need to always have a second test around 90 days to be 100% sure of a HIV negative status.
Of course if you have any questions about any of these topics be sure to talk with your gay friendly doctor.
Can You Get HIV From Oral Sex?
One of the most common questions people ask is "Can you get HIV from oral sex?". To answer this question we need to address 3 issues.
The first is how HIV is difficult to survive in the mouth, the second is things that do increase risk of HIV transmission and finally ways to enjoy oral sex without worry about HIV.
The inside of the mouth is a very robust area. The lining of the "skin" or "mucosa" of the mouth is difficult to penetrate. Also the presence of saliva makes it difficult for any viruses like HIV to survive and finally is that with a simple swallow you are able to clear any semen from the mouth.
With regards to oral sex, there is no risk of transmission if you are the person "getting" oral sex i.e. you are being sucked or licked.
If you are giving head, that is you have a penis inside your mouth, as long as there is no semen or precum being released this risk of HIV is practically zero.
If a person shoots a load, or ejaculated inside your mouth the HIV virus is not able to penetrate the lining of the mouth and the saliva present is able to kill the virus quickly. The key is to swallow or spit out the semen quickly to reduce it's time in the mouth. If swallowed the acid in the stomach will kill the virus quickly.
The main risk of transmission of hiv from oral sex is if there are any cuts, ulcers or sores in the mouth. This also includes if you've had some recent dental extractions or root canal work.
If there are any sores in the mouth it's best to avoid oral sex. If you have a sore throat, again best to avoid oral and to get a check up with your doctor.
If you would like to feel totally safe giving oral sex the trick is to use a condom for oral. Non lubricated condoms are available as well as flavoured condoms as well that can help hide the rubber taste.
Of course if you are even worried you may have been exposed to HIV be sure to have a HIV test to know your status. There are doctors who are able to offer rapid HIV tests in many places in Australia and across the world.
The first is how HIV is difficult to survive in the mouth, the second is things that do increase risk of HIV transmission and finally ways to enjoy oral sex without worry about HIV.
The inside of the mouth is a very robust area. The lining of the "skin" or "mucosa" of the mouth is difficult to penetrate. Also the presence of saliva makes it difficult for any viruses like HIV to survive and finally is that with a simple swallow you are able to clear any semen from the mouth.
With regards to oral sex, there is no risk of transmission if you are the person "getting" oral sex i.e. you are being sucked or licked.
Can You Get HIV From Oral Sex from George Forgan-Smith on Vimeo.
If you are giving head, that is you have a penis inside your mouth, as long as there is no semen or precum being released this risk of HIV is practically zero.
If a person shoots a load, or ejaculated inside your mouth the HIV virus is not able to penetrate the lining of the mouth and the saliva present is able to kill the virus quickly. The key is to swallow or spit out the semen quickly to reduce it's time in the mouth. If swallowed the acid in the stomach will kill the virus quickly.
The main risk of transmission of hiv from oral sex is if there are any cuts, ulcers or sores in the mouth. This also includes if you've had some recent dental extractions or root canal work.
If there are any sores in the mouth it's best to avoid oral sex. If you have a sore throat, again best to avoid oral and to get a check up with your doctor.
If you would like to feel totally safe giving oral sex the trick is to use a condom for oral. Non lubricated condoms are available as well as flavoured condoms as well that can help hide the rubber taste.
Of course if you are even worried you may have been exposed to HIV be sure to have a HIV test to know your status. There are doctors who are able to offer rapid HIV tests in many places in Australia and across the world.
How Accurate Is The Alere Rapid HIV Test
When it come to a HIV test it's important to understand 3 aspects of how they work. The first is what the particular test actually tests for. The second is what was the particular exposure to HIV and finally how long ago was the exposure to HIV.
What Does The Alere Rapid HIV Test Check For?
The Alere 4th generation rapid HIV test checkes for 3 important molecules that happen in HIV infection.
The first two are for antibodies to HIV1 and HIV2. Both these antibodies are produced after a person has been infected with the HIV virus. HIV antibodies are detectable in the blood 20-34 days after after the initial exposure and infection with HIV.
The third molecule that is detected in the Alere HIV test is a protein called P24. This is a protein that is produced very early after infection as part of the HIV seroconversion illness. This can be detectable as early as 14 days after infection.
While all 3 proteins can be detected by 20 days this is not a guarantee and for this reason it's important to have a second test outside of the HIV window period.
What Is The HIV Window Period?
The HIV window period is that time between the exposure to HIV and the time we would expect to know 100% sure that a person has or has not been infected with the AIDS virus, HIV.
Normally we consider this to be 90 days.
As I noted above the Alere Test is able to detect HIV as early as 14 days however some people may take longer for the antibodies and P24 to be detectable by the test. For this reason we always recommend that people have a second test at least 90 days after the potential exposure to HIV.
What we do know is that the Alere 4th gen test is very sensitive, which means that if it's after 90 days and the test comes back negative we can feel safe and satisfied that you have not been infected with HIV. i.e. you are HIV negative.
What was your HIV risk level?
For many people there is great concern about potential exposure to HIV. It's important to know that the main ways that HIV is transmitted is via receptive or insertive anal or vaginal sex without a condom to protect.
Many are concerned about the risk of oral sex however the risk is actually so low that it's considered from a practical term to be zero. That said recent dental work, bleeding gums or an oral infection does increase the risk of HIV transmission.
So to answer the question "what is the risk of getting HIV from oral sex?". The answer is a qualified "zero"
If you have any concerns the key is to make sure you get a HIV test to know your status. You can have this test organised by any doctor who is offering the rapid HIV test.
As you can see rapid HIV testing is a safe an effective way to be screened for HIV however there are some limitations.
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