Question
Potential risk and symptoms of seroconversion
15 June 2025. Related: HIV testing, HIV transmission, Other tests.
Hello, I had potential exposure: I received unprotected oral sex, during that a very small tear happened on the frenulum. I had no vaginal or anal sex, just oral. Got on PEP Dolutegravir + Lamivudine + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate . It was completed after 30 days and did not see any stand out symptoms. But on the day 33 (third day after 30th PEP I saw what looked like a slightly swollen lymph node on the right groin but no pain. I am concerned if this is seroconversion, I am planning to take NAT test on day 12 after the last dose of PEP. No fever, no rash or any other symptoms, just a lumpy groin and lot of anxiety. What are the chances of the transmission and what are chances of this being seroconversion? Thanks
Answer
Hello and thanks for getting in touch
First of all, oral sex is quite safe.
Your risk is so low that in most parts of the world you wouldn’t be prescribed PEP.
Please see here for the risk of transmission
Second, just a swollen lymph node is not a sign of seroconversion.
Please see here for more information.
Finally, you, like most people, forget that there are other infections and bugs out there.
I would recommend having a full sexual health screen (including gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, etc.) 6 weeks after you finish PEP
That will tell you whether you picked up something or not definitively. The window period for syphilis is 3 months though.
Please do not worry about HIV.
Please see this link for more info on risk and testing.
Christina