[Question #11558] Follow up to question #11398

13 months ago

Hey doctors,

Sorry to be back but I have some follow up questions regarding my first post.

As per your recommendation I got tested for syphilis (VDRL)and hiv (4th gen ab/ag) at 6 weeks post exposer. Now my exposure was condom protected literally less than 30 seconds in cowgirl position (in cum then out).

My question today is basically on the accuracy of the VDRL at 42 days. Should I test further or just put my mind at ease? It’s now 45 days and I still have no chancer. So I’m assuming at this point I can rely on these tests, but at the same time hearing it from the experts helps. Most doctors I see tell me to come back at 3 months but I know that’s conservative. Also these doctors are not experts in the std/sti field as you all are. Thank you for everything and will be happy to hear back.

Thanks.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need. Both your own doctor locally and Dr. Handsfield were willing to bet you a million $ that you did not have syphilis. I feel the same way. Your follow-up 42 provides further definitive evidence that you did not get syphilis from your misstep. No do not have syphilis. Your testing is conclusive. Further testing is a waste of time and resources- the results are not going to change. You did not get syphilis from the encounter you described.

It's time for you to move forward without concern. If you cannot, you need counseling, not more testing. I say this in all sincerely and out of concern for you, nothing more. EWH

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13 months ago

Thanks for the reply. I have a question regarding another possible exposure sadly. I know not to make this mistake again as anxiety gets the best of me here. So after your last reply I went to get a massage again and did not expect to do more but gave in. No sex. No oral. Just a handjob, but she did touch her vagina for 2 rubs then stopped. After this she masterbated me with the same hand. Am I at risk in this situation? Let’s say she had syphilis and touched herself and had a sore (I did not see anything but it was a dim lit room) what are my chances of having anything now? Should I test again? Also should/can I continue sex with my wife as normal? My main concern here is syphilis again and I’m sorry to be back. Rest assured I’ve learned my lesson that my mind wind handle these extramarital activity’s.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

There are NO STIs that are transmitted through receipt of masturbation- NONE!!! STIs are simply not transmitted by transfer of infectious material on a persons hands to another person. There is no reason for testing and no reason to abstain from unprotected sex with wife.

I stated above that if you cannot move forward without continuing concern, you should seek counseling. This follow-up further verifies that you need to talk with a professional to work to sort out your reasons for concern. I say this out of concern for you, nothing more. EWH

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13 months ago

I understand doctor and trust me I want to talk to a therapist about this and I have an appointment. I appreciate your help and bluntness with me. I was just worried that if she had a syphilis chancer and touched herself slightly she could have passed it to me when she gave me the handjob. Obviously that’s not going to happen based on your reply. Thanks for all you and dr.hh do here I really think this site is so well managed and put together.

P.s. there is a band named dr.hook they have a great song “freakin’ at the freakers’ ball”. Fun fact I thought I’d share. sorry if this against policy.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

13 months ago

I know about Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show, including their song "on the Cover of the Rolling Stone".

Regarding syphilis, when you speak with the counselor, one of the questions is not only why the fear and difficulty being reassured in general but also why syphilis in particular. Compared to other STIs syphilis is relatively rare and at the present time in mostly transmitted between men having sex with other men.

This 3rd response completes this thread which will now be closed. Please see the counselor and be forthright. Consider printing out this exchage and your earlier exchanges with Dr. Handsfield . EWH

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