Expert: Terry B - 10/30/2007

Question
I got a Brazilian wax two months ago. The lady didn't use gloves, used her fingernails to peel off the hot wax, touched my labia with her fingers, and put her hand on my skin which was bleeding at the time. Two weeks later I got a yeast infection, which I got treated with a single pill (from the gyno). Now (about a month and a half later) I have another yeast infection, along with other symptoms of acute HIV such as sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and slight fever, headaches, and muscle/joint pain. I got tested for HIV a month after the waxing incident and came back negative. I have to wait another two months to get accurate results back. My question is this: are recurrent yeast infections that don't respond to single dose medications a common symptom in acute or early stages of HIV? I'm really freaking out!!

Answer
Dear Alex:

Peace to you and yours.  Your general symptoms which suggest influenza should be evaluated by your health professional.   

Yeast infections (candidiasis) can be caused or triggered by a multitude of factors, and stress of worry contributes to susceptibility for illness.  I would be hesitant to imply that your infections came from the person who gave you your 'Brazilian wax'.  Incomplete suppression of the infection from a single dose medication is also not horribly uncommon.  Again, see your doctor.

Lastly, there are several tests for HIV that can be used to detect the possibility of infection; while these may not all be available in your area, and are at times expensive, you may want to talk with your provider about your concerns and see if there is some testing you can do to rule out the possibility of HIV.  These include p24 antigen testing, PCR
qualitative, and other tests.  

Again, it sounds as though you have access to a health professional who can provide direct examination, testing, and treatment; please work with that provider.

I will add that I have researched HIV transmission since 1991 and have never heard of the virus being transmitted in the way you describe; your bleeding and her not wearing gloves actually places her at greater risk than you in this situation.

I wish you the best, it is my opinion that you are not infected with HIV based upon what you describe, but a blood test is the only accurate measure.

Sincerely,

Terry