Anyone here suffering from hiv anxiety or phobia from sexual encounters? Every time I have an intimate relationship, even taking care of myself and partner, there’s the obsession that I got aids, that my life is over, that I’m guilty and that the only way out is an hiv exam that’s 45 days away and I’m gonna suffer and waste my precious time waiting for it and life is going to be “paused” until I get the results, something that as of now even stopped working. I’ve been having this for 20 years but got worse in the pandemic. I’ve done countless therapy and medication, but only Pristiq helped a bit with the depressive symptoms, meditation and ACT, but nothing is working anymore so I’m looking for ERP. This is so debilitating and makes me feel like s... everyday. My life is a mess right now. ( Had sex yesterday and I’m in the middle of a big crisis).

Yes! I have experienced hiv anxiety as well! Also anxiety over pregnancy because I am a female. It is so frustrating and upsetting so I can definitely understand where your coming from. It’s tough but you can and will get through this! What helps me is realizing what I can and can not control. (I can control wether or not I can decide to use a condom, go on birth control, have sex, etc.) I also weigh out what is most important to me. Yes, it is important for me to not get HIV but my relationship with my partner is also important and sex is a large part of being in a relationship (atleast for some people). As a result, I have come to the conclusion that having sex is important for me and even though I am slightly scared of getting HIV I will take the precautions needed in order to have a fruitful relationship with my partner. I hope this helps!

dude if you constantly obsess about it then you don’t have it people with hiv wouldn’t even think about constantly until they checked themselves up for it

I used to have it very much but i did once exams and after this i calmed down

I do something similar, just with herpes instead of aids… We’re not alone lol

Yes we are not i think i used to had this thought due to a an anxiety disorder which is called health anxiety and not of OCD i am not actually sure

Yes

I have same situation I get all worked up even when I use protection I get convinced I’m going to be infected with something It’s been a struggle to work through but need to in order to have a sexual relationships in future