I am 21yrs old female. My problem is I'm afraid to go for an HIV test, because at the age of 16 I was raped. I did not tell anyone but kept it for myself, but last year I told my cousin and she told my mom. Still I lied to them. I said I did test for HIV because they want me to do test,and I was having smelly discharge and sore but did go to doctor for remedies.  They gave me canex v but still afraid for test because now I am sexually involved with more than 5 partners from 2007.

Dr. Eve Answers:

I ache reading your story and I understand your terror. Going for HIV testing is gruelling, it is terrifying for any one peson. But for someone who has  brutally been put at risk,  as you were by being raped, this is indeed one test I am sure you are reluctant to take. Your story conveys typically the response of people to rape: shamed into silence and you continue to remain silent now about your sexual health fearing consequences. I find that information helps put things into perspective so let me give you some and then plesae go seek out a clinic or a health care provider who can hold your hand, test you and treat you for the infections you seem to have.

Being raped will put you at risk for STI/HIV as it is forced entry into a dry vagina- or even if your vagina did moisten, you remain at risk if no condom was used. Nowadays legislation allows people raped to be placed immediately on PEP - post exposure prophylactics- which will ensure you do not get infected. But years later this is no good for you. Another fact- the more sexual partners one has, the more we increase our risk for STI/HIV. of course you will be safer if you correctly and consistently used condoms each time with each partner. Peopel seldom are that conscientious.

Your present symptoms indicate an infection. Any time there is a bad smell, discharges, pain it measn there is an infection- it could be bladder or urinary infection or of course a STI.

I urge you to find someone you trust, with whom you feel safe and  take this person and go to a clinic which will test and treat you. At all clincis they give you information so you will feel in good hands , and you can ask questions.

As hard as this is, livign with fear is going to make you unhappy and unhealthy over time. Perhaps you are now ready for this brave step - I urge you to take it.

 

 

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