[Question #2897] STD Risks
41 months ago
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Hi I am curious as to what STDs I am at risk for? I have had multiple partners over the last 3 months. I am a gay male. I feel like I practice safe sex but get confused sometimes. I strictly participate in Kissing, Naked Frottage and mutual masturbation and handjobs with anonymous male partners. I really enjoy this and have always considered it safe but still test 1x annually. Is this considered safe sex with little or no STD risk or am I incorrect and in fact have risk for HIV an dother STDs? Thank You!!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
41 months ago
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Welcome to our Forum and congratulations on your practice of safe sex. The activities you describe are no risk activities with respect to the most common STIs- gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV. For lesion diseases such as syphilis, herpes and HPV there is a theoretical risk for infection as these infections can be transmitted trough direct contact with lesions of the disease but I emphasize that these concerns, particularly for syphilis, are largely theoretical and should not be of concern to you unless a partner has a visible lesion.. As for HPV, nearly everyone (well over 80%) will acquire these infections and nearly but not all will be transmitted through penetrative sexual contact. There are a tiny proportion of HPV infections which cannot be explained as a result of penetrative sexual contact. You can nearly completely eliminate your risk for HPV if you get the HPV vaccine.
I hope these comments are helpful to you. Please don't hesitate to use your up to two follow-up questions if any of what I've said is unclear or if there are further questions. EWH
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41 months ago
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Tan you Dr Hook for the information. One last question. I am entering into a committed relationship so should I test for anything specific prior to being with him based on my stated activity up to this point? what would you recommend? I have tested 6 months ago.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
41 months ago
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Good question. If your only sorts of contacts have been the ones you mention above, I see no reason for testing, particularly if you were tested six months ago. On the other hand, in some instances, a great way to establish communication and set the stage for moving forward with trust is for both members of a committed relationship to go together for testing. That said from what you have described, I see no medical reason for you to seek testing at this time. EWH
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41 months ago
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Thanks for all of the fantastic information. No further questions or concerns. Cheers!!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
41 months ago
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Glad to help. As per Forum Guidelines, this thread will now be closed. Take care and again, congratulations on your approach to sexual health. EWH
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