scared and stupid

I had unprotected sex last night for approximately 60 seconds.  I was at a strip club and things got out of hand during a lap dance and I was too drunk to stop it.  I am married and my wife would kill me if she found out.  I have never had irresponsible sexual contact before.  Is there anything I can do right now make sure I didnt contract an std.  I have no reason to think that the girl had an std, but the uncertainty is killing me.  Also what should I do to protect my wife until I know for sure?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Following a single, brief exposure such as yours the odds are that you did not get an STD.  The odds are in your favor - most people, even lap dancers, do not have STDs and even if she did have an STD of some sort, most exposures to infected persons do not result in infection.  At the same time, the right thing to do is to be sure.  

The major infections of concern are infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and non-gonococcal urethritis.  While all of these tend to cause symptoms, sometimes they can occur without symptoms and therefore you should get checked.  About three days after your exposure (1 or 2 days is too soon) you can go to your local STD Clinic or to a health care provider and get checked for these problems.  It is best if you have not urinated for at least an hour before you get checked.  Other bacterial STDs like syphilis are uncommon and unlikely to be a concern.  

Among viral STDs, herpes is common but most exposures do not lead to infection.  If you have gotten herpes, odds are you will should symptoms at 4-10 days following exposure.  Otherwise testing for HSV will be of little help.  HIV is very uncommon and your risk is low.  When you get checked, it will be too soon to be sure but, as I said the odds against you getting HIV from a single exposure are very much in your favor.

In the interim, I would abstain from sex with your wife.  Hope this helps.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Comments from those other than the client who started the thread are typically delted without comment   If you have a questions you need to create your own thread.  EWH