Very Important?

Question

Ok, I know I am gonna catch alot of slack for this already, but every so often, on occasion, my ex husband and I still have a sexual relationship. Problem is, he is a drug addict, and his method of choice is IV. This is a problem in and of itself, but I asked him tonight if he had EVER used a dirty needle, and he said he used his ex girlfriend's ONCE. I said once is no excuse, and he went on to say that he had sterilized it first, and he only used it cause there was no other needle around (this of course was not good enough of an excuse for me!). His ex girlfriend was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis, but then the drs later recanted that and blamed it on liver failure from doing too much dope. Should I be tested for HIV and hepatitis? How long does Hepatitis take to show up? I know HIV has a window period of six months.
Also, I am only a FORMER drug user, and we do use protection on the occasion something does happen between us, but still...theres always that chance, isnt there

Answer 1

You need to wait 3 months for the virus to show up in your blood. And hepatitis c is the virus to be worried about, but there are treatments out there so its not all doom and gloom. Also Hepatitis C is very difficult to catch through sexual contact alone as it is a virus that is only passed blood - blood contact, and not in semenal - vaginal fluids. (but there is still a chance)
HIV as you know is passed through sexual contact but its a very weak virus and does not live outside the body for very long, its not as easy as you think to catch HIV from a dirty needle.

NO amount of sterilising done by your x boyfriend will have cleaned that needle he used.

In short, yes get the tests done. And ALWAYS in future, wear a condom. You should also think about getting immunised against Hepatitis B.

And tell him to go to a needle exchange, so he doesn't need to share....

Good luck

Answer 2

I think you know what you need to do. Once? As you know, addictive behavior consists of lie after lie. Why are you taking a chance with you life? This is a very negative situation and it must be affecting your spirit and soul. If you continue to keep your relationship with him, I'd test for more than just HIV and hepatitis. You need to do the research yourself about HIV and hepatitis and the rest, so you can really understand just what kind of possibilities your up against. Ignorance here will not benefit you. Trust your intuition. I've never heard of an addict dying of old age, have you?

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear that - how did he sterilze it - wipe the needle w alcohol- that doesn't do it- you know what iv users will do for a fix- he apparently needs to be in a needle exchange program- get into Teen Challenge- they do wonders for drug addicts- teen and adult- take care and get checked out-d
PPS- you can also get hepatitis via sex w him- and condoms don't do best for viruses- bacteria yes- viruses- no

Answer 4

if you use protection and dont do oral sex on him or use a condom if you do you will be ok. However it is recomended that most females have a HIV test at least every two years. Unless he is diagnosed there should be no danger. Go get tested together.

Answer 5

once is all it takes. i'd get tested for hiv, hepatitis b and c.

i wouldn't go back either unless he has proven to be clean for over a year....

good luck.

Answer 6

Yes there is a chance, for your peace of mind go to a doctor or clinic tell them the above
Good luck

Answer 7

YES get checked my sister did same, then she started having liver problems, she divorced her husband that was on drugs, she had not done drugs for 5 years, then 2 years ago she has hep c, the DR told her sometimes it does not show up for years. please get checked asap.

Answer 8

yes there is a chance...i'd go get checked just in case. And ask the doc all the questions,they should know.

Answer 9

Before you get tested get rid of the drugie, get something with batterys! Then get a full spectrum set of test!