STD tests and meds

[benbend]

Hi Doctors,
Over three months ago I had unprotected oral sex with a female (I'm male.) At three months I had a full panel of STD testing done, and all the results were negative. I believe that at this point the results are conclusive? Regarding HIV tests, I was reading that medicine can throw off the results? I assume that would only be for things like anti-HIV/anti-viral meds, and I assume that normal every day things like cold medicine, robitussin, advil, a muscle relaxer for a bad back that I might have taken sporadically around the time of the exposure and since the exposure in question would have no effect on the test? I feel silly even asking the question, as it seems so obvious, but I thought I would ask nonetheless. I just want to make sure that all my tests are conclusive at this point, including the HIV, and that I don't have any reason to continue testing.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are correct. The reason that topical steriods are used is to avoid systemic side effects.  You can have confidence that your topical therapy would not effect your tests or test results.EWH

[benbend]

Dr. Hook,
So sorry to trouble you with one last (I promise) question. I think I know the answer, but since I didn't mention earlier, I wanted to double check. Regarding medications, I also use topical creams and gels once a day for psoriasis in various places on my skin, some of which may be corticosteroids. Again, I assume these have no effect on tests either. Thanks in advance for answering my last question.

[benbend]

Thanks, again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Correct.,  You have no need to worry further about oral gonorrhea or chlamydia.  Take care. EWH

[benbend]

Hi Dr. Hook,
I'm so sorry to trouble you, but I had one more question if that's ok. At 8 weeks post I had a throat swab done for oral gonorrhea and chlamydia, both of which were negative. I assume those tests would be conclusive at that point (I see that the urine tests which I also had done are conclusive after two weeks)? Also I assume that even on the off chance I did get either it would have resolved itself by this time without me noticing anything (since it is usually asymptomatic) or just assuming it was a normal sore throat with a cold? In other words I assume that at this point both based on my negative test results and the time that has passed that I should not worry about oral gonorrhea or oral chlamydia?
Again sorry to trouble you one more time.

[benbend]

Thank you so much.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. I'll be pleased to help.  The bottom line is that your tests will provide accurate information. The only medications which might conceivably effect your HIV tests are HIV medications.  There would be no effect whatsoever from cold medications, advil , muscle relaxers, etc.  You have nothing to worry about and there is no need to continue testing. EWH