relaibility of TSTD tests

[guy01]

Can someone tell me if the TSTD online testing is reliable? Specifically if they have relatively low false positive risk. The doctor in the medical forum in my case said I have very low risk because I had a condom (which did not break for both oral and vaginal sex with a csw 3 weeks back) and the risk of false positive may be higher than my actual risk of having an STD. He actually recommended  against testing. But I am too nervous at the chance of infecting my wife.

So the questions are 1) Should I or should I not test for peace of mind given the risk of false positive
2) TSTD is the only way I can get the test done and results quickly enough with complete anonymity. (local health dept here have too much of a backlog)  Is this reliable enough so I can get the peace of mind or will I be devasted with a false positive?

[auntiejessi]

Its up to you if you want to test.  If you go into it knowing that there is a risk for a false positive, and are fully ready to handle that emotionally, then its your call.

Make sure you don't pee for at least an hour before you go, and you shouldn't test if you have been on any antibiotics in the last 2 weeks.

I'd like to offer a suggestion of counseling to you.  I don't mean to be unkind - I am sympathetic to anxiety, but if you can't move on past a no risk situation and its causing sleepless nights, perhaps you need to talk to someone.

AJ

[guy01]

Thanks auntjessi. I have had so many sleepless nights regarding this. I have a test setup for tomorrow which was to give me reassurance.

If I cancel the test - I would then eventually have sex with my wife and really hope I do not infect her. I guess the medhelp doctors seem so accomplished that when they say no "plausible risk" I should believe them. It is just that added level of assurance I was looking for making the 95% to maybe 98% sure. But this could backfire with a false positive.

I am confused. That is why any information of the risk level of false positives would be very helpful. If the risk is really small then it may be worth the reassurance.

[auntiejessi]

Well, I wouldn't begin to think I know more than the doctor, but I do happen to agree with him.

There is no such thing as a 100% accurate test, and since you really are at such low risk, I don't see the need for testing.

AJ