Dear Drs. Handsfield and Hook. First. Here is my story: I am a 30-year-old heterosexual male from Colombia, South America.

On Friday, March 29, I engaged in unprotected oral and vaginal sex with a female friend whom I have known for many years. The intercourse lasted about 10 minutes without ejaculation. I am not one to judge my friend's past, but I know she has been vigilant about her health. Her last tests for HIV and Syphilis were in January of this year, and she has assured me that she has had only two sexual partners in the last year, including myself.

I am compelled to write because two days after the encounter, I began experiencing symptoms of urinary urgency and a sensation of a full bladder. Additionally, I feel like I cannot completely empty my bladder, and there seems to be residual liquid at the tip of my penis, though it is always dry upon inspection. There has been no burning or visible discharge.

Following the guidelines I've learned from this forum, 12 days later, without taking any antibiotics or engaging in sex, I underwent PCR tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, and Mycoplasma genitalium via a urethral swab. All tests came back negative.

I was relieved, and the day after receiving my results, I had unprotected sex with my regular partner (who is aware of this incident due to our open communication). However, I am now experiencing some anxiety over the possibility that I might still transmit an infection to her. Considering my friend's sexual history, I am not concerned about HIV or Syphilis (though I plan to test again at 4 and 6 weeks).

The exposure you describe was very low risk.  You know detailed about her sexual history which indicate that she is at low risk for STIs.  Even much more important however, are your negative tests at a time when the results are entirely reliable.   12 day results are entirely reliable.  The symptoms you describe also do not suggest NGU.  There is no reason to worry that you may have put your partner at risk. You can be completely confident that the symptoms you describe are not due to any of the STIs you tested for.   I would also add that the urinary tract symptoms that you describe are in no way associated with STIs.

As you point seem to suggest, your symptoms do correspond to those of a UTI.  You do not mention your age however, in men under the age of 30, UTIs are uncommon.  I would encourage you to get a urine culture.  If it demonstrates a UTI, my advice to see a urologist asking why you have had two UTIs.  EWH

Oh, I'm sorry, I wrote my previous response in Spanish. Here it is in English:

Thank you for your response, Dr. Hook. You are very kind. I greatly admire and respect your work.

I mentioned my age earlier, perhaps you missed it (I make a great effort to write in English, as it is not my first language).

I am 30 years old and heterosexual.

Of course, I will see my urologist. Thank you for the recommendation, Dr. Hook.

One last comment... Since my tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma Genitalium, and Trichomonas were negative and in the absence of specific symptoms, could I resume my normal sexual life? What would you do in my situation?

I plan to get tested for HIV and Syphilis, but given my sexual partner's history, I don’t foresee a problem there. However, having these tests for peace of mind wouldn’t hurt.

With this question, you may consider this exchange closed, Doctor. Thank you for your incredible wisdom.

Thanks for your thanks.  I'm pleased I could be helpful.  EWH