I would like to know about the accuracy of rapid at home tests.

Would a syphilis rapid be test be completely conclusive at 6 months?

How safe is cunnilingus as a sexual activity? I understand that the internet is full of misleading information. In my younger days, I would not give oral sex either way (heterosexual to be specific not that it matters) a second thought. Saw for handjobs, frontage etc. Condom protected sex would be considered a sigh of relief. The only time - throughout my twenties - I would be remotely concerned would be if I did not wear protection. From reading your posts, this seems to be the ‘bottom line’ still, and I would say the standard GP advice or common sense most of my late thirties generation would use. How true is this? Can cunnilingus be considered safe for bar pick ups and promiscuous women moving forward?

That said, you seem to have a pretty good perspective on these issues. Oral sex is generally quite safe, and cunnilingus is very low risk both for the oral and vaginal partner. Even when STDs are present, they are rarely transmitted; and there has never been a proved case of HIV transmitted by cunnilingus. That's not to say the risk is zero, but obviously it's very low. For sex outside a committed mutually monogamous partnership, I would advise continued condom use for vaginal or anal sex and would not advise any protection for most oral sex events.

The HIV self tests are good, but probably not quite as reliable as lab based testing. For the sort of sex life you seem to have had, they're fine -- but if you ever were seriously exposed to HIV (like a broken condom with a known infected partner), lab based testing would be preferred. The home syphilis tests are too new to have strong data, but the technology is highly reliable and I would consider them very reliable. And long before 6 months; both the HIV and syphilis tests all are conclusive by 6 weeks from exposure.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if I haven't covered all you're concerned about.

HHH, MD

Yes. I want to try to break this negative OCD spiral moving forward.

Just one other point. You will remember our earlier conversation and my conversation with Terri.

You will be aware of my hsv2 rapid home test - possibly read late, but really not certain. Shouldn’t have done it - which was advised by both.

I recall both your and Terri’s dismissal as a concern for such an infection. You estimated a risk of one in millions and Terri said less than negligible. 

Terri’s advice was to completely dismiss this because - I think - the chance of a faulty result with IGG especially with a home test far outweighs the chance I was exposed. I at least think that was said advice.

However, bear in mind, I have performed these on myself before and received negatives and had a negative lab test 13 months ago also. I think this reduces my chances of a false result I fear?

With this is mind, would you still dismiss this concern as illogical and the only logic being a poor test over risk?

As you are aware, as an anxious person (when it comes to this) this was the last thing I needed to happen. Almost the perfect psychological nightmare. On the other hand, I have often read against using IGG without symptoms and low (neglible risk) exposures. CDC guidelines, etc. and  particularly for home IGG tests.

I think you have all the info. Doc. Is the sensible thing to do to move on. Or, in spite of home test, would you believe a further hsv2 test would only be psychological, no need from a medical perspective? Thanks.

Just to add, tested and received a definitive negative from a lab. Will put this to bed now.

Really appreciate your advice and counsel- it helped me in my darker moments no end. I also want to thank Terri for her excellent advice. As ever you were both spot on. If it helps any other user, trust this forum. Look at their CVs. What the hell do we know compared to them. 

Thanks again. I wish you both health and happiness. Best.

As implied above, repetitive questions are discouraged. Although you asked about different STIs, all your questions reflect unrealistic fears fed by your OCD. Such excessive questions are subject to being deleted without reply and without refund of the posting fee. This policy is based on compassion, not criticism; we have found that repeated replies often tend to prolong anxiety rather than relieving it, when professional counseling usually would be a better path for the user. And ASHA, the forum sponsor, is not keen on collecting fees when the answers are obvious and/or have been covered in earlier discussions. Finally, such questions have reduced education value for other users, one of the forum's goals. Thank you for your understanding. Best wishes and stay safe.