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STDs and Delayed Testing
I frequented strip clubs more than 10 years ago in which the nude dancers rubbed their vaginas in your face (specifically your mouth), and allowed you to insert your fingers into their vaginas. I went to these clubs quite frequently (once or twice a month) over a 2-year period. To the best of my recollection, I did not have any sores on my mouth or fingers during these episodes, and I do not recall seeing any sores or bleeding on the strippers. In reading the responses to similar questions on this forum, I understand that this does not represent a high risk for transmission of an STD. I also do not recall having any symptoms that would indicate that I had contracted an STD, although I'm not quite sure what to look for if I got it via my mouth or hand. I was tested for HIV about 6 weeks ago (the test was negative), so I know that I did not contract HIV by these events. I have 3 questions for your consideration.
1. Given the generally low risk for an STD, does it make sense to get tested now? I will be going in for a follow-up HIV test in a few weeks (my first test was at 8 weeks), and I wondering if I should also test for other STDs.
2. If I had been infected with an STD that long ago, would a test pick it up now? I have taken antibiotics on several occasions for sinus infections during the intervening years (amoxicillin, augmentin). Would these have been sufficient to also take care of a bacterial STD?
3. If I discover that I have had an STD for more than 10 years, can it still be treated?
This forum is an excellent source of information, and I applaud your efforts at answering our questions.
1. Given the generally low risk for an STD, does it make sense to get tested now? I will be going in for a follow-up HIV test in a few weeks (my first test was at 8 weeks), and I wondering if I should also test for other STDs.
2. If I had been infected with an STD that long ago, would a test pick it up now? I have taken antibiotics on several occasions for sinus infections during the intervening years (amoxicillin, augmentin). Would these have been sufficient to also take care of a bacterial STD?
3. If I discover that I have had an STD for more than 10 years, can it still be treated?
This forum is an excellent source of information, and I applaud your efforts at answering our questions.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
As you recongize, the likelihood you acquired an STD from the exposure you describe are extremely low; for practical purposes, zero.
1) No, it makes no sense to be tested for STDs, assuming you have had no potential exposures other than the ones you describe.
2) All bacterial STDs (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc) would have cleared on their own after 10 years; or would have been cured by the antibiotics you took for other infections.
3) Sure, if it's a treatable STD. But I recommend you not be tested anyway. There is no chance you acquired an STD from the exposures mentioned; and if you had an STD (from some other source) all those years, it would have cleared up on its own.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
1) No, it makes no sense to be tested for STDs, assuming you have had no potential exposures other than the ones you describe.
2) All bacterial STDs (e.g., gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, etc) would have cleared on their own after 10 years; or would have been cured by the antibiotics you took for other infections.
3) Sure, if it's a treatable STD. But I recommend you not be tested anyway. There is no chance you acquired an STD from the exposures mentioned; and if you had an STD (from some other source) all those years, it would have cleared up on its own.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
At the very least, sounds like you had a lot of fun for two years! Hold on to the memories and forget about STDs, it's a non-issue. I'm probably the biggest caution-hound on this forum, or maybe one of the top five, and even I think you have no reason to get tested!
J
J
You have come to a wonderful site for facts and answers. From the exposure you describe being so low risk, the amount of time ago that the encounter took place, the absence of symptoms, and the negative HIV test that long after the encounter, I would say you absolutely have nothing to worry about.
Sinus infections are common in most people. They happen. Ease your anxieties. The great doctor in this forum will tell you the same thing, although with a higher level of clarification.
Sinus infections are common in most people. They happen. Ease your anxieties. The great doctor in this forum will tell you the same thing, although with a higher level of clarification.
Your exposure was not low risk, it was no risk. STD testing of any kind would be a waste of money and time.
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.
