 [ Symptoms ] how can avoiding medications with xl la xr or cr in their name save me money [ Disease ] the short answer is everyone should know hisher hiv status you may have known your status prior to this episode of unprotected anal sex but now your status may have changed it would be in your best interest to get tested again because it takes anywhere from six weeks to several months for the body to begin producing hiv antibodies which is what the hiv test is designed to detect you may need to be tested several times over the next 12 months to be sure you did not pick up the virus from your sex partner i would also suggest you have a conversation with your health care provider about whether or not you should take more aggressive measures than repeated screenings he or she is in the best position to advise you above all else please practice safe sex by using a condom unprotected anal sex is not a wise idea but remember it is also possible to transmit hiv through vaginal sex anyone who is sexually active should take responsibility for the safety of himherself and hisher partner hope this helps