The counselor that I am seeing says that I should get an HIV test. Should I get one just for peace of mind?

I am seeing this counselor for anxiety problems and I have talked to her about me stressing myself out from my past sexual encounters. She recommended that I get a test as soon as possible but I am scared to death even though I have tested negative for HIV in the past on August 10th, 2004. (two years ago- two encounters with the same person- 25 days apart- May 4th & May 25th, 2004). Should I get another just to clear my mind or am I OK?

Correction- The last encounter was on May 22, 2004, not May 29, 2004, so that would be 80 days after the last encounter.

What do you have to lose? The only way to get an answer is to take the test. There is nothing bad that can come from it. If you do have HIV, it's better if you have knowledge of it for the safety of yourself and your partners. If you don't, that will ease your anxiety and you will know to be careful from this point on.

It doesn't hurt to get a test. It would be a good idea just so you know and then you can feel a little better. good luck!

Yep, you should get one, like you said just for piece of mind!

If it were me I would definately get another test just to be certain and next time be more careful there are alot of horrible STDs out there that you could get

never hurt no one to be too sure go ahaead get the test and when it comes up negative be happy

go get another test. then you will feel much better and want worry so much about it......and please start using condoms....

Since it can take up to six months for antibodies to form the best advice is to undergo testing at least 6 months from your last potential exposure. If your last potential exposure was May 25, 2004, a negative test done on November 25, 2004 or later would provide the best results. August 10, 2004 might have been too early to identify the HIV antibodies. Since much of your stress seems rooted in this issue it sounds to me like being re-tested would be a good idea.

I would get tested again just to make sure everything is in the clear and for peace of mind. I know it's scary, but at the same time u can't put your health at risk. It's better to be safe than sorry. I think she is concerned that you may have contracted something as well as your health. I think that it would help ease you inside for answers about your health and you won't be anxious as much, u'll be in the calm.

can it hurt? honestly, there is no bigger relief than getting a negative test result. get it done with regular blood work and they can check on other potential health problems. I was negative for HIV, but i had high cholestrol! so thanks to that test i lost 20 lbs.

Get tested. The truth will ease your mind because you will not be playing the same anxiety over and over again in your head. Ask your health care provider for additional information about HIV tests -- how often and so on.

In the mean time, no unprotected sexual encounters. Somewhere along the line you suspect that you might have been exposed -- so do not do that to someone else, huh? They have a test in Africa that gives the results in 15 minutes. Ask your health care provider how soon you can find out the results of your test and if you have to wait, do follow up. Best wishes.