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Anxiety and Questions
This is my scenario. I know from past discussions it is obvious that I have some anxiety about Std's in general and in specific about HSV. I am aware of this and am reaching out to counseling this week to work on some of those issues. I just figured until then it is nice to have extremely knowledgeable professionals available to help me try and sort things out from a medical standpoint.
In the past 5 months I have had three partners. Two different times it was just a single episode and the last was with a girl that I was in a relationship with for a period of time (approx 8-10 sexual encounters). All were unfortunately unprotected in nature and involved both oral and vaginal sex. All partners did state that they had been tested in the past and had never had any STD's or cold sore's in their lives. I have also been to the dermatologist in the past 2 months where he did an exam and removed a skin tag which was sent in and biopsied at the time. In his physical exam he stated that I did not having anything present that looked out of the ordinary and that my main concern which was herpes was not recommended for testing in the fact that since I have had negative results in the past from testing and an initial outbreak or transmission would be very highly likely that I would notice it as it would be both visible and painful.
My questions are as follows:
What would be the odds that I had acquired any STD's from these situations that I have described?
Specifically what would be the odds for HSV if my partner did actually have it could it be spread through these encounters?
Would you agree with the dermatologist and say that testing would not be recommended for this and that most cases of a new infection would be noticeable?
In the past 5 months I have had three partners. Two different times it was just a single episode and the last was with a girl that I was in a relationship with for a period of time (approx 8-10 sexual encounters). All were unfortunately unprotected in nature and involved both oral and vaginal sex. All partners did state that they had been tested in the past and had never had any STD's or cold sore's in their lives. I have also been to the dermatologist in the past 2 months where he did an exam and removed a skin tag which was sent in and biopsied at the time. In his physical exam he stated that I did not having anything present that looked out of the ordinary and that my main concern which was herpes was not recommended for testing in the fact that since I have had negative results in the past from testing and an initial outbreak or transmission would be very highly likely that I would notice it as it would be both visible and painful.
My questions are as follows:
What would be the odds that I had acquired any STD's from these situations that I have described?
Specifically what would be the odds for HSV if my partner did actually have it could it be spread through these encounters?
Would you agree with the dermatologist and say that testing would not be recommended for this and that most cases of a new infection would be noticeable?
Thank you very much for your timely response. As you know I have sought your advice in previous times and have been very happy with the service that you have provided. My intention is to let you know that your services do not go unnoticed and that you and Dr. Hook are truly an inspiration to others.
I just have a couple additional questions if you could please address.
What would be the average time where you would typically notice symptoms of things such as herpes after a initial infection?
What are the transmission rates for HSV after a single episode where one person may be assymptomatic or unaware that they were infected?
How much do the odds increase with multiple episodes where someone may be assymptomatc or unaware they are infected?
The intent of these questions are not only to personably relieve some anxiety but to discuss with my counselor about overcoming these anxieties. I again thank you for your patience and professionalism.
I just have a couple additional questions if you could please address.
What would be the average time where you would typically notice symptoms of things such as herpes after a initial infection?
What are the transmission rates for HSV after a single episode where one person may be assymptomatic or unaware that they were infected?
How much do the odds increase with multiple episodes where someone may be assymptomatc or unaware they are infected?
The intent of these questions are not only to personably relieve some anxiety but to discuss with my counselor about overcoming these anxieties. I again thank you for your patience and professionalism.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
Going first to question 2, since herpes is your greatest concern: Although oral and genital HSV infections are very common, they are not efficiently transmitted. Even with a known-infected partner, the risk of transmission for any single episode of oral or vaginal sex probably averages under once for every 1,000 exposure, maybe a lot lower than that. And although asymptomatic infection can occur, most new infections cause symptoms, especially in anxious persons who are likekly to notice even the mildest symptoms (i.e. I agree with your doctor on this). And the HSV blood tests are not perfect, sometimes giving confusing or uncertain results -- which can be a particular problem in anxious patients. So I also agree with your doctor's advice that HSV testing isn't recommended.
As for question 1, judging the odds of "any STD" is difficult. But based on what you say about your partners, I would judge the chance you caught anything to be no higher than 1%, maybe closer to 1 in a thousand. If you want more security than that, see a doctor or clinic (e.g., your local health department STD clinic) for personalized advice and testing.
The dermatologist is correct.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Going first to question 2, since herpes is your greatest concern: Although oral and genital HSV infections are very common, they are not efficiently transmitted. Even with a known-infected partner, the risk of transmission for any single episode of oral or vaginal sex probably averages under once for every 1,000 exposure, maybe a lot lower than that. And although asymptomatic infection can occur, most new infections cause symptoms, especially in anxious persons who are likekly to notice even the mildest symptoms (i.e. I agree with your doctor on this). And the HSV blood tests are not perfect, sometimes giving confusing or uncertain results -- which can be a particular problem in anxious patients. So I also agree with your doctor's advice that HSV testing isn't recommended.
As for question 1, judging the odds of "any STD" is difficult. But based on what you say about your partners, I would judge the chance you caught anything to be no higher than 1%, maybe closer to 1 in a thousand. If you want more security than that, see a doctor or clinic (e.g., your local health department STD clinic) for personalized advice and testing.
The dermatologist is correct.
I hope this helps. Best wishes-- 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.
