[Question #11872] STI Risk?
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11 months ago
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Good morning -
Had covered encounter w/ escort approximately one month ago. Started w/ massage where she rubbed the front of her pelvis on my member while we were both naked. There was no insertion or play between her private area and mine at that time. All forms of penetration were covered. Protection didn’t fail. Looking to see true STD risk. I’ve had some intermittent itching over the last few weeks but nothing else. All over the internet it says this all can exist with zero symptoms. Looking to the experts for some fact here. Thank you.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
11 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to verify what you have seen on the internet. Condom protected penetrative sex is virtually no risk for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomonas. It reduces the already far smaller risk of syphilis or herpes by another 60% (because the entire penis is not covered by the condom). As for your symptoms, STI symptoms are not intermittent but continuous or even increase over time. When you combine all of this with the fact that most commercial sex workers do not have STIs, I would consider testing related to this encounter optional and, if you choose to test, would anticipate negative results.
I hope that this perspective is helpful. EWH
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11 months ago
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Thank you for the info. What remains unclear to me is how likely is it that one would contract an STI and truly display zero symptoms? I’ve seen some sites that state balanitis is a symptom, others no. Also, if symptoms were to show 30 days +\- is enough time, correct? That is all I have. Thank you again.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
11 months ago
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Thank you for the additional information. Balanitis is most typically a non-STI process and nothing you have described suggested you have balanitis. Most STIs can present “asymptomatically” either because they are truly asymptomatic (how often STIs are asymptomatic varies with the type of STI being discussed) or because mild signs or symptoms are missed or attributed to some other process. The latter possibility seems quite unlikely with you.
My assessment is unchanged. If you are very concerned and having trouble moving forward, I would once again suggest testing for the reassurance it would provide. If you test, I am confident your test results will show that you are not infected. EWH.
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11 months ago
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Dr. Hook -
Based on our discussion I’ve decided to go ahead and get tested. Lab order notes that for chlamydia/gonorrhea to not pee for 60 min before providing sample. Looking to see how critical the timing is here. Can you advise?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
11 months ago
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Final answer. Sixty minutes is the standard recommendation but 30 minutes is adequate. It is important the the specimen be at the beginning of urination, not midstream. A urine test for Gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichamonas will be accurate and conclusive ( as well as negative) at this time.
Closing the thread now. Take care. EWH
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