Hello Doctors,

I've found this forum very helpful over the years. I have some follow-up questions about my STI risk. I also struggle with health anxiety, so having accurate information is very helpful.

Over the past six months, I've had condom-protected vaginal intercourse with several sex workers and performed cunnilingus about eight times with six different women. From previous posts, I understand my risk for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia is very low. Is my risk for skin-to-skin STIs, such as herpes and syphilis, also considered low?

My questions are:

1. Is herpes transmission relatively uncommon, requiring contact with an infected area during viral shedding or an outbreak, rather than occurring every time someone is exposed?
2. If I acquired herpes or syphilis, would I be likely to notice symptoms, or can these infections remain asymptomatic?
3. Are blood tests reliable for diagnosing herpes and syphilis, or is swab testing sometimes necessary?
4. Does condom-protected intercourse still leave the base of the penis and scrotum at meaningful risk for skin-to-skin STIs?
5. Can HSV-1 and HSV-2 both infect either the mouth or the genitals through oral sex?

I'm asking because I may resume sexual activity with my long-term partner and want to understand whether any testing is appropriate.

Thank you for your time