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STD/HIV risk
I very, very stupidly (cannot state this enough) had unprotected vaginal intercourse with a stripper in Las Vegas during a drunken state, which I also deeply regret. I’ve been in a monogamous relationship for the past 8 years. I am now on day 6 from the exposure and scared that I have some sort of STD. On day 2, I started to experience a little discomfort at the tip of my penis and the need to go to the bathroom more frequently. This is the only symptom I have had thus far. When I urinate, it doesn’t really sting, nor is the odor particularly strong. When I do urinate, it is not difficult for me to. When I do have to urinate, it feels like the pressure at the tip of my penis is a little more than when I don’t have to. It feels like a urinary tract infection that I had several years ago. There is no discharge to this point. I saw a doctor on day 4 and he examined me – saw nothing out of the ordinary on my penis. He ran a urine analysis for bacteria and it produced nothing definitive that it was a UTI. They have sent the urine off to the lab to check for chlamydia, and also administered a shot for gonorrhea, and I am expected to get the results back tomorrow. He also supplied me a week’s supply of doxycycline. So far, the discomfort at the tip of my penis has not gone away.
I am worried that I have some sort of STD. I know that I will be getting STD tests for everything, including HIV, very soon. What is the earliest that could return some type of result? I believe that you recommend HIV antibody test starting at 28, but I may test a little sooner as the waiting is very hard, but will again test on day 28 as this is recommended.
1. Do my symptoms above sound related to herpes?
2. How early is something visible if I did contract herpes? Would I be able to see anything yet?
3. Is it possible that this is only a UTI?
4. What is your opinion of rapid HIV testing? Is this different from PCR testing?
Thank you.
I am worried that I have some sort of STD. I know that I will be getting STD tests for everything, including HIV, very soon. What is the earliest that could return some type of result? I believe that you recommend HIV antibody test starting at 28, but I may test a little sooner as the waiting is very hard, but will again test on day 28 as this is recommended.
1. Do my symptoms above sound related to herpes?
2. How early is something visible if I did contract herpes? Would I be able to see anything yet?
3. Is it possible that this is only a UTI?
4. What is your opinion of rapid HIV testing? Is this different from PCR testing?
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No distant expert can guarantee someone isn't infected. But since you apparently had no STD, there seems no reason you cannot safely have sex with your partner.
That will have to end this thread. Take care.
That will have to end this thread. Take care.
Thank you doctor. My last question - can I safely resume unprotected sex with my partner as my symptoms continue to improve?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. Chlamydia testing at 4 days is fine. 2. See my reply above. 3. I see no need for additional testing other than anxiety relief.
Thank you for your reply doctor. I received the results of my urinalysis for chlamydia and gonorrhea - and everything thankfully came back fine - for that I am relieved. The tingling sensation still exists, but doesn't seem as bad today. I have just a few follow-up questions that will be my last.
1. There is no window period for my urinalysis for testing for chlamydia, is there? Testing 4 days after the exposure was sufficient enought?
2. Any thoughts as to what the sensation at the tip of my penis could be? I know I was probably making it worse by all of my anxieties, but there is definitely a different feeling, although like I said, it seems to be getting better.
3. Your comment of 'certainly not herpes or HIV' was a load off my shoulders. Do you feel in your professional opinion that I get tested for any reason other than relieving my own stress?
Thank you again.
1. There is no window period for my urinalysis for testing for chlamydia, is there? Testing 4 days after the exposure was sufficient enought?
2. Any thoughts as to what the sensation at the tip of my penis could be? I know I was probably making it worse by all of my anxieties, but there is definitely a different feeling, although like I said, it seems to be getting better.
3. Your comment of 'certainly not herpes or HIV' was a load off my shoulders. Do you feel in your professional opinion that I get tested for any reason other than relieving my own stress?
Thank you again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum.
While of course I cannot guarantee you did not catch an STD from this exposure, your symptoms are not highly suspicious. The most likely explanation for such relatively vague and mild symptoms is that your anxiety about the exposure is magnifying and making you notice normal body sensations.
1) Herpes definitely isn't in the picture with such symptoms. If due to STD at all, gonorrhea or nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) (often but not always due to chlmaydia) are much more likely than herpes.
2) Herpes symptoms usually start in 2-5 days, but sometimes up to 2-3 weeks. But the odds of catching genital herpes from any single episode of genital sex is under 1 in 1,000, so the odds are strongly in your favor.
3) UTIs are extremely rare in healthy younger men (under age 40-50). That's just as unlikely as an STD.
4) Your HIV question is far too broad for a quick answer. The chance of HIV from a single such exposure is extremely low. Do not have a PCR test. If you want HIV testing, wait until 6-8 weeks after the exposure and have an antibody test, preferably a lab-based test -- but a rapid test is OK if the clinic recommends it. Scan the MedHelp HIV Prevention forum for innumerable discussions of these topics.
Bottom line: Probably no STD and certainly not herpes or HIV. Continue to work with your doctor about proper testing etc if your symptoms continue or you remain concerned.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
While of course I cannot guarantee you did not catch an STD from this exposure, your symptoms are not highly suspicious. The most likely explanation for such relatively vague and mild symptoms is that your anxiety about the exposure is magnifying and making you notice normal body sensations.
1) Herpes definitely isn't in the picture with such symptoms. If due to STD at all, gonorrhea or nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) (often but not always due to chlmaydia) are much more likely than herpes.
2) Herpes symptoms usually start in 2-5 days, but sometimes up to 2-3 weeks. But the odds of catching genital herpes from any single episode of genital sex is under 1 in 1,000, so the odds are strongly in your favor.
3) UTIs are extremely rare in healthy younger men (under age 40-50). That's just as unlikely as an STD.
4) Your HIV question is far too broad for a quick answer. The chance of HIV from a single such exposure is extremely low. Do not have a PCR test. If you want HIV testing, wait until 6-8 weeks after the exposure and have an antibody test, preferably a lab-based test -- but a rapid test is OK if the clinic recommends it. Scan the MedHelp HIV Prevention forum for innumerable discussions of these topics.
Bottom line: Probably no STD and certainly not herpes or HIV. Continue to work with your doctor about proper testing etc if your symptoms continue or you remain concerned.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
