Aa
help please?
On Jan 31, with a FSW, had PROTECTED oral (about 2 min), and PROTECTED intercource (about 1 min) - did not finish as I realized i was making a terrible mistake and got outta there. Both Oral and intercource were proteceted(condom), and did not see any obvious signs of std -- i.e bumps, lesions. On March 7th, 37 days later, started to feel some discomfort im mostly groin, inner thigh, and ocassionaly pubic area. Its not hands down burning, itching, or pain, and it is not constant. There are mostly short flashes of discomfort -- i.e, it is not driving me crazy. I am not in constant itch, burn or pain. There are no bumps, lesions, pimples, no burn during urination, no flu symptoms or any visible rash or redness or swollen areas, just discomfort in groin, inner thigh and ocassionaly pubic area. I think im urinating more frequently but i think thats do to my constant anxiety and nervousness. It has been 8 days now (since discomfort started) and discomfort is still there. Im seem to feel it more when i im in physical movement like walking or the act of sitting down or standing up. The discomfort seems to subside a bit after i have showered but never completely goes away. As i am always nervous and thinking about it im am always aware of its presence. My anxiety is extremely high and constant. I have looked on some herpes websites and they describe discomfort in these areas as a possible symptom. Any thoughts doctor...answer, advice? have you dealt with any patients, or forum posts like this? Do you have any questions for me? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I have no further comments.
Again doctor, thank you for your responces -- You think getting tested is a waste of time due to my exposure. Is it because the exposure was protected and that the actual intercouce lasted for such a little amount of time (about 1 min)? In the case of herpes, how much contact do you actually need for the transmission. Is it the longer u are in the act of intercouse, the higher the risk. I apologise for all the questions, but as you know, i have high anxiety. Sometimes these discomforts and sensations i experience come and go. For example, last night i felt calm and was not bothered as much in my groin area(although still aware of its presence) -- today, at work my mind started to race again as i started feeling these discomforts again, urinating frequently, feeling like im not done or have a drip. I guess i find it quite amazing that the mind/brain can have so much controll over the body. Doctor, again thank you so much.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It's a waste of money and time to be tested on account of the exposure you describe. But t's your money and your time. 6+ weeks is plenty of time for reliable testing.
thank you doctor, u truely are doing a good thing here. I am going to the doc this week. As my possible exposure was 46 days ago, is that sufficiant time for most test results (hiv, herpes, chlamydia, etc....) to be acurate? Thank you again doc and I appreciate your time and advise.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Of course. This happens all the time. Many mental health conditions have physical symptoms. I'm not an expert on the physiologic mechanisms.
Anxiety can trigger or cause physical symptoms in a concentrated area? Is this common? How does it work? How long does it generally last?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
"Have you dealt with any patients, or forum posts like this?" Oh, only about 10 times a month for the past 4 years....
You could not have acquired an STD from the exposures you describe. Your symptoms are absolutely classical for genitally focused anxiety. No STD causes such symptoms -- I don't care what you have read on various websites.
Clearly your recognize the only significant health problem here, your anxiety, perhaps related to other underlying emotional disorders. You need to directly discuss that aspect with your provider then follow his or her advice. Perhaps s/he will recommend STD testing just to set your mind at ease. But his or advice also might include anti-anxiety treatment or perhaps referral for professional mental health care. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You could not have acquired an STD from the exposures you describe. Your symptoms are absolutely classical for genitally focused anxiety. No STD causes such symptoms -- I don't care what you have read on various websites.
Clearly your recognize the only significant health problem here, your anxiety, perhaps related to other underlying emotional disorders. You need to directly discuss that aspect with your provider then follow his or her advice. Perhaps s/he will recommend STD testing just to set your mind at ease. But his or advice also might include anti-anxiety treatment or perhaps referral for professional mental health care. I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.
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.
