Prior to July of last year, I have only had one sex partner. the first week july of 2022, I met anonymously with another man, who anally fingered me thru underwear he brought for me to wear (I was tipsy so I cant remember if fingers actually went in), Spanked me, and I gave him a handjob, but he did not ejaculate. I am pretty sure I used my other hand to finish but I can't remember. I think he kissed my body as well, but definitely no kissing, oral sex, or penetration either way. After 3 weeks, I got tested for all STI's, and same at 6 weeks (all neg). got tested again after 3 months for all STI's that have window period of 3 months, and 2wks after testing I confirmed results were neg for HIV and Hep, and was told the tests go to different labs which may have explained the turnaround time. My clinic didnt have my syph results as of yet, and I let them know I'd be out of the country for a week in case they did call me. When I returned, I confirmed w the clinic they didnt call me, but paranoia once again got the best of me in June when I went into the clinic and a dr told me not to worry about STI transmission. Since the exposure, I got a handjob once, and kissed a few people, but I am now in a committed relationship and dont want to start having sex again unless I know I'm safe. In all honesty, the anxiety and paranoia im feeling are nearly debilitating, and I don't want to get tested again if I don't have to. 

Not part of the question but I should add before this I had only done one STI test in sep 2020 and all was negative from that too. Thank you again!

Welcome to my forum. Thanks for your questions. Congratulations as well. On your approach to safe sex and regular testing following encounters of concern. It is my pleasure to tell you that you could be absolutely confident that you did not require syphilis or any other STI from the encounter you described. Elaborate a little bit more below: ---

Thank you for getting back to me! I had a few follow ups, and please forgive me in advance if these come off as rude, I just don’t understand a few things: first, why is it that some resources say 3 months worth of testing is needed if you feel 6 weeks is sufficient? How does that happen?  Not asking to doubt you as much as I am to understand how institutions vary so much.

The 3 month recommendation is overly conservative and reflects use of tests used years ago.  If course, if you wish to continue testing, feel free.  I'm confident that further tests will be negative.  All too often recommendations fail to consider that anxiety that prolonged testing leads to.---

That makes sense, thank you Dr. Final follow ups: if you were in my scenario, would you have tested at all? Otherwise, after 6 weeks would you feel comfortable having unprotected sex?

As You know, we provide up to 3 responses to each client's questions.  This is my 3rd response and therefore the thread will be closed following this response without further replies.  ---

Thank you again for your help Dr! I did previously include in the last question the question of whether you’d advise that having unprotected sex with a monogamous partner be something I should be comfortable with after knowing for certain 6 weeks later I was negative, but I do understand the 3 follow up rule, so regardless of whether you choose to answer that part thank you again! I hope you have a fantastic new year as well!

I would certainly be comfortable with the fact that the tests are negative and would not hesitate to have sex with a regular partner.    ---