Really worried after visiting red light district of amsterdam

[Q87]

Hello,
Last week I was in Amsterdam and I foolishly gave into temptation by going to a prostitute in the red light district. Before we had intercourse she placed a condom on my penis. She then gave me a blowjob and we then had sexual intercourse. During sex I was also touching her vagina with my bare fingers and I am really worried because I kissed and licked her clitoris and vagina. I know what I done was very stupid and I am very ashamed. I am so very, very worried that I have contracted HIV, or some other STD???? Is it likely that I am infected??? Are prostitutes in the red light district safe to perform oral sex on??? Please help me...I am so worried that I cant even sleep at night.

[Vance2335]

I can't make that decision for you, only you can. You can see a therapist to help you deal with guilt and anxiety. I can tell you that I was once told that we often confess to things not out of respect and responsibility but to help alieve our own guilt.

[Q87]

Thanks for the information Vance2335,

I am actually in a very serious relationship with a girl for a year and a half. I am absolutely crazy for this girl and love her very much. The night I was in Amsterdam I was in a nightclub and I was drunk and I had also taken some pills which I have never taken before and never want to take again. I know it is no excuse but because of the drink and drugs I was not in my usual state of mind and went to the prostitute without consideration for my girlfriend who I love and want to be with. I am so guilty now and I dont know if I should confess everything to her or not? I really love her and Im afraid that if I tell her what happened and about the STD fears that she will leave me.

Should I just face the music and tell her or do you think I should keep this shame and guilt to myself. I have decided to completely give up alcohol for life and focus on our relationship but what I did in Amsterdam is making me so depressed. I would really appreciate it if you could advise me if I should tell my girlfriend what happened or not????

[Vance2335]

No I don't think it is because you used a condom. Sore throat and stuff is not STD related.

Ejaculation or not you used a condom. Yes, prostitutes do test often and use condoms to protect them from you.

No test for HPV, herpes is 3-4 months, syphilis is 6 weeks.

[Q87]

Hello Vance thanks for taking the time to answer my query. Having read your comment I looked up herpes, HPV and syphilis and I am really worried that I have contracted an STD. Last night I did notice a little red bump at the base of my penis near my scrotum. Do you think that this is a worrying indication that I have caught something? Also I have noticed that I have a sore throat and my nostrils contain mucous as if I have a cold or flu? Should I be worried about this also?

When I was having sex with the prostitute I never ejaculated, so would that have any significance for contracting an STD? Before I left I told the prostitute that I was worried but she told me she was clean and is tested every four weeks for STDs...she said her last test was three weeks before our sexual contact and that she was clean...should I take assurance from this?

I think that I will go to see a doctor for peace of mind as I can't stop worrying all the time. Since this sexual contact happened a week ago on April 13th should I go to a doctor now or should I wait longer for the best and most conclusive results? How long should I wait for the best and most conclusive results?

Thanks very much for all your help.

[Vance2335]

Your risk from the oral sex is low. You had a risk for herpes, HPV and syphilis. The risk is low and probably no need for testing.