Q.
Is an HIV test done through a GP 100% accurate? is it the same as a rapid test that NZAF does?
A.
GPs do not offer rapid tests. They send people off to a lab and blood is taken there. People then have to wait a few days for results, but these tests are 100% accurate. Ourur rapid HIV tests are 100% sensitive to HIV, they are FDA approved and 98.9% specific to anitbodies.
Q.
I had sex with this girl, her vagina was wet but we both don't have wounds. I bathed shortly after sex, can I get HIV?
A.
Yes you can. HIV lives in vaginal fluids and there does not need to be wounds present for you to get infected. Using condoms for vaginal sex is the best way of protecting yourself from HIV. If you did not wear a condom, I advise you to get tested for HIV through your GP, sexual health centre or via the NZ AIDS Foundation which offer free rapid tests for HIV (you get your test results within 20 mins).
Q.
Where can I get tested for STIs if I'm under 18?
A.
Hi there, You can get yourself tested at any of NZAF's clinics in Aukcland, Wellington and Christchurch, and also from our network of counsellors at other locations in New Zealand. It's free and confidential. You can book online or call us.
Q.
I have had sex with someone with HIV and the condom broke. I was wondering where to go to get tested as I can't go to my doctor.
A.
Hi. You can get a free and anonymous HIV rapid test (results in 20 minutes) at one of the three NZAF clinics located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. We also contract counselors who can provide testing in other regions outside of these main centers. To book an HIV test through us, click the Get Tested icon at the top right of the NZAF website homepage; simply complete the form and someone will be in touch with you. Alternatively you can search the White Pages for your nearest sexual health clinic, who will also provide a free, anonymous test. It is important to bear in mind that there is a window period of up to 3 months after exposure to HIV before antibodies to HIV appear in the bloodstream (an HIV test tests for antibodies to HIV rather than HIV itself). Getting tested immediately after exposure may give a false negative result, so it is very important to have an HIV test at the 3 month period.
Q.
My niece refuses to get a blood test and says she is terrified. But she has been involved in unprotected sex with more than one individual. Other swabs have been positive for Chlamydia and a bacterial infection but she needs to be tested for HIV & Hepatitis. Can this be done in Auckland area anywhere by a mouth or vaginal swab?
A.
Hi. All HIV and hepatitis tests available in NZ are blood tests. If your niece is terrified of needles, we might have a solution for her. At the NZAF we do rapid tests for both HIV and hepatitis C and there are no needles involved, just a very quick and painless finger prick that draws a single drop of blood. The drop of blood is placed into a sterile testing device and you have your results 20 minutes later.These tests are highly accurate and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration and Medsafe NZ, and are only available through the NZAF and our affiliated partners.
The testing process is simple and we have a video that will show you can show your niece. It shows what it is like to get a test at one of our centers. You can also make an appointment online, or by calling us. Appointments are available at NZAF's centers or our outreach clinics. Full STI screening is also available at our Burnett Centre every Monday night 5-7pm. We hope this information helps.
Q.
I started fooling around with a guy just over a week ago who is HIV+. We started off kissing, and then he started licking me out, and fingering me. He then stuck his penis in my vagina a couple of times, unprotected. Things started progressing further, and he stopped to put a condom on, but before he did that, he came on my vagina and licked it off while still fingering me, he then finally put the condom on and we had sex. But I am now seriously freaking out. What are the chances, and how soon can I get tested?
A.
Hi there, thanks for getting in touch. If the semen of a HIV positive man came into contact with your vagina then there is a risk of you contracting HIV as the virus is transmitted via bodily fluids. We would strongly recommend you book a free and confidential rapid HIV test, and you can do online. One thing to keep in mind is that it can take up to three months for HIV to become detectable in the bloodstream. We would recommend that you test immediately then return again 90 days after the time of sexual intercourse, for a conclusive result. We also offer free and confidential counselling to anyone affected by HIV in anyway.
Q.
Hi ... In the past 48 hours I had sex with sex worker. She got condom from the packet and put it on, but I wasn't hard so she gave me oral for a full minute till I got fully hard. Then we used the same condom as she sat on top of me for one minute and then I got on top of her for two minutes until I ejaculated inside her with the condom on. I didn't notice any condom breaks or slips because the condom was still on me when I took it out. And then she cleaned it out with tissue and I went and took a shower. She did suck my nipple and I did suck hers to. Since then I've been getting symptoms of itchiness all over my body as well some itchiness in the testicular area. Could I have caught something? Please, what shall I do?
A.
Hi there, thanks for your question. From the situation you've described you've no risk of contracting HIV and wearing a condom means your risk of contracting other STIs from this situation was also greatly reduced. If you are concerned still about your sexual health then it is best to go for a full check up. NZAF offers sexual health check ups at our centres in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.You can book online to access our free and confidential service. Otherwise, if you're not near one of our main centres you can access one of our trained counsellors for the rapid test.
Q.
Last week I ended up in a massage parlor/brothel in Napier. I ended up having unprotected sex in the spa with one of the girls working there. The next day I found a small cut on the end of my penis. A week later I have pain at the end of my penis and a sore throat. I'm worried I have an STD or HIV. What should I do? I'm now back in Australia. Should I be worried?
A.
Hi there, Your risk of HIV or STI transmission is increased if your had a cut in the end of your penis during unprotected sex, particularly if it was raw or bleeding, as this could allow infected vaginal fluid to get into your bloodstream. It's impossible to say whether your symptoms are related without having a test, so we would encourage you to have a full STI screening and HIV test through your GP or nearest sexual health clinic. It's important to note that with HIV has a window period of up to three months and is detected in a test after this period.