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XMRV or HTLV?

Dear Doctors,

I have been having rectal and penile burning for nearly a year now.

I have visited my doctor and explained this and he has been treating me.

I have had a full STD screening and I am negative for everything.

However, I am worried that I might have contracted XMRV or HTLV sexually.

How likely is this?  

Thank you.

Regards,
Seven777.
4 Responses
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, we cannot help very much.  There is some evidence that XMRV, HTLV-I, and HTLV-II may be sexually transmitted, but probably infrequently; there are no data whatever on the risks or frequency of sexual transmission.  But we can assume condoms are protective.  Despite some of the recent media attention, especially to XMRV, there is no clear evidence it causes disease, and  the large majority of infections with all three of these viruses remain asymptomatic for life.

So most likely the chance you were exposed (i.e. that your partner was infected) is very low; if she was infected, it is very unlikely you caught it, especially given your usual use of condoms and the brevity of exposure when the condom broke; and if you are infected, you'll probably never know it and no health problem will result.

So I wouldn't worry at all about these viruses.  I hope this helps.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Thank you.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I saw this and considered it in my reply above.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear Doctors,

Just to add, I am a heterosexual and I always wear a condom. However, during my last sexual encounter, nearly a year ago, the condom broke. Therefore, my exposure, if any, would have been minimal.

Regards,
Seven777.
Helpful - 0

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