I appreciate from my subject heading that this is quite a broad question, however I hope that you can help me.

I have just had my blood tests for the Gulf and the results are expected any day now. I am sure you will be aware that HIV and Hepatitis B/C is tested.

In November 2024 I had SIX episodes of UNPROTECTED PENIS/VAGINAL SEX with a girl I know from my hometown in Wales. We also had oral sex, however I understand that this is zero risk.

With HIV being the most consequential STI for the Gulf, I had an HIV 1 and 2 RNA PCR Qualitative test 21 days after our final encounter. The results came back ‘not detected’.

I have not been tested for anything else. When I visited a GP for a different matter a month later, he advised against Syphilis testing.

8 months later, I am yet to have any symptoms (i.e body rashes, painful urination etc).

Please can you confirm:

1. Whether my HIV result will be negative.

2. Whether my Syphilis result will be negative.

3. Whether my Hepatitis B result will be negative (neither myself or my friend were vaccinated at the time)

4. Whether my Hepatitis C result will be negative (from previous posts, I understand that this only applies to homosexual men having anal sex)

Thank you in advance

Gavin

I'll start by correcting your apparent basic misunderstanding:  Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is exceedingly rare following vaginal sex and HCV not a risk at all; and these are not normally included in testing after male-female sexual exposures. (Many labs and clinics include them in "comprehensive" STI test panels but they are usually unnecessary and not recommended by experts.) As for HIV, your negative RNA PCR tests at 21 days were conclusive -- and anyway the chance the average sexually active Welsh woman has any of these infections is zero or close to it. (In addition, although maybe not germane to your situation, most of the online buzz about HIV in sex workers and ex-pats in the Middle East is just that -- online buzz way out of proportion to actual risks. HIV is exceedingly rare there in both sex workers and their clients.)

I can't understand why a GP would advise against syphilis testing. Like HIV it is exceedingly rare in your circumstances, but the consequences are severe and the tests reliable and cheap. In my opinion if there is the slightly chance of syphilis testing should be automatic and certainly most doctors and all experts would consider it routine whenever HIV testing is done. That doesn't mean I think you have it -- I do not.

To your specific questions:

1) You already had a conclusive HIV test result; another test will be negative as well.

2-4) Assuming no risk factors other than the sexual exposures you have describe, your tests for syphilis, HBV and HCV will be negative as well.

You don't mention gonorrhea or chlamydia testing; these are by far the most common significant STIs in people with your sort of sexual history. Presumably these also are in the plans; probably they also will be negative.

I hope these comments re helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

3. I can't comment on your clinic's procedures or practices, but I see nothing alarming in this. Yes, you are overthinking.

4. You never needed to avoid unprotected sex with your current partner and certainly can do so now. (That assumes negative gonorrhea/chlamydia testing as well as the blood tests that for some reason are dominating your fears.

I thought I would use my last response to share my results, as written on my report:

HIV I & II Ab/ p24 Ag screen - NEGATIVE 

Hepatitis B sAg - NEGATIVE

Hepatitis C Antibody - NEGATIVE

Syphilis Antibodies IgG/IgM - NEGATIVE

My final follow up questions are:

1. Are you able to tell what kind of test was done for HIV?

2. Tonight I was in a pub and used the restroom (of course using the handle to exit). I normally use hand sanitiser afterwards as I’m a bit of a germaphobe, but became distracted and forgot.

About 5-10 mins later I took a piece of chewing gum from my mouth to throw away, completely oblivious to not sanitising my hands. 

Is this a risk for any STI? (and is there any risk of STI’s from surfaces etc). 

Thank you for your help and guidance with my questions. 

2. This question is your germophobia speaking, nothing more. No STIs ever are transmitted by contact with a contaminated surfaces or any kind of contact with person's body fluids in the environment. For example, the household members of persons with STIs never become infected even after months or years sharing toilets, towels, eating utensils, etc.