scared of herpes

I went to a strip club and during a lap dance the stripper exposed my penis, pull her thong to the side and began grinding on it.  There wasnt any penetration but I could feel her vagina on my penis.  Three days later I felt like I needed to urinate more frequently and had that "need to pee" feeling in my urethrea at the tip of my penis. I also noticed a small discharge from penis on day 4 but havent seen it again an its been about a week since the stripper event. I also havent noticed and sores.  My wife and I are terrified and she is very disappointed with me.  Am I at risk for herpes or other STDs.  Do these sound like symptoms and how long do I have to wait before getting tested. What kind of test should I be looking for.

Thanks so much for your help

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The contact you describe carried little or no risk for STD transmission, and your symptoms sound pretty nonspecific--I am more suspicious of an emotional/anxiety origin than an infection.  Also, the dominant symptom of a urethral STD infection is clearly abnormal discharge, not an urge to urinate.  But to be safe, and to help resolve your anxieties, you should see a health care provider.  You can be accurately tested at any time.  The only possible STD causes of your symptoms are gonorrhea, chlamydia, and nonchlamydial nongonococcal urethritis (NGU)--and not herpes, which is not a realistic possibility.  Tests for these are accurate within 3-4 days of infection and/or when symptoms are present.  My bet is that nothing abnormal will be found.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[Jeremy44]

Sorry to post before the doctor, but that's a pretty low risk event. Genital herpes is an sexually transmitted disease meaning you actually have to have sex to get it, which did not happen. Theoretically it seems like it could be a possibility but the chances of contracting herpes from that exposure are about probably 1 in a million at least. I'm sure the doctor will agree.

[sydbro]

Thanks Doctor
   I respect and appreciate your opinion. You provide a great service. You are right about the emotional strain this whole thing has put on my relationship with my wife and on myself.  Ive never had to worry about STDs b-4 so this has been a real eye opener.  If I may ask one more question:  If I were to have picked up herpes, how long should I wait b-4 testing or do I have to wait for an outbreak.

Thanks so much

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You don't need herpes testing.  But if you decide to get tested anyway, do it 3-4 months after your strip club adventure.  If the result is positive, it won't be from that event.

[sydbro]

Thanks doctor, I dont mean to be a worrier or a pest.  Thanks again for your help and information

[hammer217]

I thought that  skin to skin genital contact was a risk for herpes. Doesn't this situation create a risk for herpes?