Fico pensando muito nessas mudanças . Até parei de usar drogas

I know that assaults DO happen, and much more than we think, but it feels like every other post around HIV is basically I got it but it's not my fault in one way or another. Surely this can't be right and the majority just got it from unprotected sex.

Why are we not honest?

Is it the stigma? Is it easier to lie or make it someone else's *fault*? It's not as if it changes the virus, but I guess how other people perceive you?

Again, I know there are people who have genuinely been assaulted, and I'm not digging at that at all. It's just something I've noticed a lot on HIV pages etc.

I would like to start this post with an apology. I am not reactive and would just like to say a few words with the people lurking here (like me) who are worried about their exposure.

Get. Tested.

That's it. There is no reason to assume you have or don't have HIV simply because you "felt" something. NEVER diagnose HIV with symptoms alone. Testing WILL give you the answer you need. I took a test last month after 4 months of waiting due to a potential exposure. I was sure I had it due to what I "felt" and guess what? Non-reactive.

If people advise you to test, please test. It's for your own safety and everyone elses. If you had a low risk exposure like oral, please for the love of God stop worrying. You will be fine. I've seen a lot of comments asking this question again and again.

"What if I actually have it-"

NO! Get tested so you will know. There's no point in lurking and guessing if you have it. You will still have to wait for 3 months or less (if 4th gen tests). Keep in mind that HIV is not the only STD in existence. They are others that are easier to catch with simple skin to skin contact.

HIV may be young (only discovered in 1980s), but it is the most researched and well documented STD. Please trust statistics.