QUESTION
When I urinate the flow is a cranberry color. I just found out the partner I slept with the other day is positive. Should I have a HIV test now or wait for a couple of days?

ANSWER
Cranberry-colored urine is not generally a symptom of HIV, and most people who are HIV-positive do not even show symptoms. Since you had sex with an HIV-positive partner, you should get tested now with a test that can detect recent infection, such a an antibody and nucleic acid or RNA test. Most professionals would also recommend repeat testing in three months.

You should not wait to see a doctor. Your colored urine could be caused by a urinary tract infection causing irritation of the bladder. In addition cranberry-colored urine can be a sign of kidney disease or from changes in the diet among other things.

To your health,
Dr. K