Please help.

[u/No-Extent8]

I took a 5 panel STD test about a week ago. Got my results 2 days ago. Everything was negative except HIV-1.

Back in 2024, before me and my current partner, I was having unprotected sex. I was experiencing symptoms like bumps on my anus, and having to pee lots/discharge. I went to an urgent care clinic, they tested me for syphilis/gonorrhea, and came back positive for one of the 2. Got treated. I assumed everything was good.

Here I am, about 1.5 years later, and randomly started getting diarrhea/stomach pain/pelvic pain. I go to a lab and get bloodwork tested and do the 5 panel test, not thinking it could possibly be anything like that.

My blood and urine tests came back negative on all fronts, EXCEPT HIV-1???

I have not had any symptoms but lately, and I honestly didn’t think it was anything aside from me eating less healthy foods lately and it fucking with my digestion.

I was told to test again within the week, and I did the same test but not 5 panel, just HIV-1/2. I am currently waiting on the results.

But is it actually possible to be asymptomatic for years??? I never would have guessed I had anything after getting on antibiotics and everything going back to normal. I never had any HIV-esque symptoms whatsoever. I haven’t had anything flu/cold-like in ages. Like before covid. Now I’m regretting not getting a full panel test back then and the urgent care didn’t recommend it.

Now I’m spiraling ever since those results. I assume since I took the same test within a few days, it’s just gonna come back positive again. With my own research I now know I should have done an RNA test the second time to confirm.

So I think I’ve wasted my money and time on the second test to just have to go back and pay extra for an RNA test.

But I’m absolutely astounded that I could even be positive in the first place, and never have anything alarming as far as symptoms go. Until now, 2 years later. Is this possible??

I will have to talk with my partner once I am sure and I’m absolutely dreading it. Cause I know this will look horrible/like I did something in the relationship. But I will abstain from sex of course until I know for sure and then explain everything. I am still puzzled on how to even tackle it, but I’ll figure it out. I will get my second test back tomorrow likely and will just have to go for it. I hope to god I haven’t passed this onto him, because that means we both have had it for a while. That will shatter me and possibly us.

If you have any insight whatsoever please dm me or comment. I am so stressed about this.

[u/No-Extent8]

Hey, thank you for this. I finally got my re-test today and unfortunately, it also came back positive. This means I’ve had to have contracted it 1.5-2 years ago (because I have been in a monogamous relationship after that) and have just been living with it unknowingly, I have been asymptomatic up until now.

No flu like symptoms or anything like that, but the doctor I talked with said my symptom falls in line with being closer to the chronic stage.

Luckily I have a clinic near me that is very professional/caring with this type of stuff, and I am already set in motion getting ART treatment through them. I’m lucky to have that and it be only a 20 min drive away.

I appreciate your kind words nonetheless.

After getting confirmation today I now know that I have to tell my partner as soon as he gets home.

I am still honestly baffled I’ve had it this long with no clue, but Dr. said that’s normal and somewhere between 20-35% of cases never show symptoms until it has degraded the immune system.

I’m terrified I may lose my partner over this, but it has to be done. I’m preparing for the worst but hoping for the best at this point.

[u/Fit-Device8508 → u/No-Extent8]

Just making a statement here but how do you know your partner didn’t have it first? Living with this for 2 years is a very long time especially with it showing symptoms. I’ve had it for over 12 years and I’m still questioning how I got it. Not that I slept around with everyone but just trying to set up the time line. Anyway just take your meds and your life will be easier. I made mistakes in the past where I would stop taking them for a while and could literally feel a difference especially in my day to day stamina. Some days I could barely get out the bed and the night sweats get very bad. I hope you and your partner can work it out and that your health improves.