[Question #3751] All in my Head???

87 months ago

Hi Doctors, I'm a 50yo married M who made a regrettable mistake. 13 days ago I received brief (2-3 min) unprotected oral from another male. Since then, I have been wracked with guilt & fear. Went to clinic on day 8 and got tested for chlamydia & gonorrhea; also received 250mg IM rocephin & 1g azithromycin. Test results came back negative (as expected based on your previous posts). Nonetheless, I continue to worry and constantly examine my penis for any irregularity (small bumps, indentations, etc, which were likely always present). I have not resumed sex with my wife out of fear of infecting her with something. I'm sure I've read this before from you, but I would like, once again, to hear your advice and guidance. I am already somewhat of a hypochondriac so I know there's definitely a strong anxiety component here. Many thanks.

87 months ago

Forgot to add, up until this point, completely asymptomatic (aside from the scenarios running through my head).

Edward W. Hook M.D.

87 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your confidence in our services. At his point you are in the clear and need not worry about STIs of any sort. The reasons I say this are as follows:

1. Receipt of oral sex is a biologically inefficient process so that even if your partner had an STI, chances are you would not be infected.

2. Your tests for gonorrhea (the most common STI following receipt of oral sex) and chlamydia were negative. The tests are very good and should be believed.

3. The therapy you received would have cured gonorrhea, chlamydia, NGU and prevented syphilis if you were exposed.

4. No one has ever been proved to get HIV from receipt of oral sex.

5. If you were going to develop herpes, an outbreak would have occurred by now.

There is nothing for you to worry about at this time. There is no need for more testing, no need for concern. Similarly, there is no need for you to abstain from sex with your wife. My advice is for you to do your best o relax. Stop checking yourself and move forward. you are in the clear, really !!!

I hope these assurances and data are helpful. EWH

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87 months ago

Thank you so much, Dr. Hook. Quick follow-up question re: your herpes comment (#5). On day 10, I did notice a very small (1-2 mm) whitish spot on the head of my penis (I was actively looking for things, so it's highly likely this was always there). I only see it when my penis is flaccid; once erect, there is nothing there. Is this just the natural "landscape" or should I be concerned. There have been no changes to its size or shape of the last 4 days. Furthermore, I did not see any sores/blisters around the mouth of the person who serviced me. Again, thanks for your consideration and expert advice.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

87 months ago

Thanks for the additional information. The harder you look/examine yourself, the more likely you are to see things you have not seen before. The spot you describe certainly sounds like one of these sorts of things. If the spot (please note, I am not calling it a lesion) has not changed and was not apparent with an erection, I am confident it is not a herpes lesion. I would not be worried about it. EWH---

87 months ago

Dr. Hook, a very sincere thank you to both you and Dr. Handsfield for the expert services you provide. I will heed your advice and do my very best to move on and put this regrettable event in my past.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

87 months ago

Glad to hear you found my comments helpful. Take care. EWH
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