False Negative wrong...or something else?

[worriedinwa]

I'm a 36 year old male.
I had sex about a month ago with someone who probably gets around quite a bit.  Condom was used for oral and vaginal intercourse but there was some private-to-private touching before the condom was put on.  As far as I know, no problem with the condom.

About a week after sex, I began to feel burning in groin which later turned into pelvic area pain and moderate pain when urinating.  Never had any discharge that I noticed.

Went to Urologist, urine was clear; no clear diagnosis but prostatitis was suspected so I was placed on Cipro.  Didn't have STD tests done.

I had std testing done before I started the Cipro (test collected at local lab but handled via a confidential services on the Internet)and tests came back negative.  The tests involved taking urine and blood samples.  However, since I've never had prostate problem (at least nothing this pronounced), I'm still worried about STD.

How confident can I be in the test results?  
Are blood and urine tests effective for STDs for which I may have the symptom?
How likely is it that the onset of these symptoms is a maddening coincidence?
If I retest will the Cipro cause a problem?

Thanks for all you do to help keep us all sane and safe.  Lots of good info on this site but I couldn't find the answer to my questions -hope you can help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You could not have acquired an STD from the exposure you describe.  Your symptoms probalby are not a coincidence, but they sound more like anxiety than anything else, and prostatitis is not sexually acquired.  Also, prostatitis often is a "wastebasket" diagnosis--i.e. many providers use that term for otherwise unexplained genital symptoms.  I don't expect Cipro to make any difference in your symptoms.

Bottom line:  You simply could not have been infected by the exposure you describe.  Of course continue to follow up with your provider if your symptoms persist.

Thanks for the thanks.  Good luck--  HHH, MD

[ryn21]

Im sure the doctor will tell you that you are perfectly OK, and the touching wouldnt warrant any type of concern as far as necessary testing.  You used a condom, be confident that your result is 100% accurate.  You were prescribed cipro as a precautionary measure.  Wait for the docs response (reassurance), then you can move on.