I am afraid I have put myself in this predicament again. The same coworker and I engaged in unprotected oral and vaginal sex - this time the sex was until ejaculation.  I recognize the gravity of my decision.  I am on birth control and took Plan B just hours after, so I’m praying pregnancy risk is very low.  

He told me that after our initial encounter he also panicked and got tested a few days after. Everything can back clean (if he’s being honest).  I’m assuming he goes outside his marriage more than he would admit.  (Learned that he goes to strip clubs, etc) All in all he seems very worried about me getting pregnant and seemed not too worried about STI. 

My question is:  this happened on Thursday very late at night - when is the soonest I can test to be absolutely sure the Gon/Chlamydia test is reliable? I read 2 weeks everywhere and it’s very confusing.   What else should I test for? How long do I wait until having sex with my husband? Last time I tested at 6 days...

I will spare you my emotions as I recognize I’m a grownup and I have misstepped once again, but clearly I am very anxious about this. I apologize for being redundant in my issue, but appreciate you for helping me. 

Thank you.

I recommend against any testing at all at this time. You and your partner both have been tested recently and negative. Nobody should be going out and getting STD tested every time they have sex with a non-marital partner. And even if you insist on testing, I answered exactly this question last itime. Gonorrhea and chlamydia testing are valid any time more than 4-5 days after the last possible exposure.

HHH, MD

Thank you for the reply. I am not certain that I trust that he actually got tested or that I’ve been his only partner (besides his wife) since we saw each other three months ago.  Would you personally not test at all even with my doubts?  I know my anxiety and guilt is high, but My priority is protecting my husband from anything.   And pardon me if I’m being redundant, but would a test at 10 days be any “more reliable” than a test at 4-5 days after the last possible exposure? I will likely be testing for peace of mind, so I want to be able to trust it 100%. 

Thank you so much for your patience and help. 

I tested at 6 days Gon/Chl we’re both negative. Is this conclusive? Same with HIV/Syph, so I can assume my partner was negative with those back in February as well. 

Quick question re: herpes - 1 week prior to my encounter (Jun 6) I developed what I thought was a folliculitis type rash really close to my buttocks(where they touch).   It lasted about 5 days, and did feel raw/somewhat itchy. I was also going to the bathroom a lot (upset stomach) and wiping was uncomfortable but thought some rawness could be from that too.  My whole life I have struggled with acne, Hidradenitis Supurrativa/Boils, etc.  it is not uncommon for me to experience these kind of issues, so felt no need to panic. I remember having a similar issue almost EXACTLY a year ago. I figured it came back again this time of year due to the heat, wearing dresses for work, workouts, chafing.... I have very sensitive skin.

The conditions you have cannot be acquired by sexual exposure and they are not inluenced by any STD. They have nothing to do with your recent sexual exposure, just a coincidence in timing. Initial outbreaks of herpes generally occur within several days of exposure, sometimes as long as 2 or even 3 weeks. Your symptoms don't sound like herpes. However, don't overreact to concerns about HSV blood test performance. Indeed sometimes the results are inconclusive or confusing, but most of the time they are reliable and accurate. If you remain concerned, see a doctor knowledgeable about herpes and STDs and follow her or his advice. Also, don't over-interpret confusing symp;toms of herpes. The large majority of infected people have typical symp;toms, not atypical ones.

I realize I am out of responses..

I am inclined to not run and get tested, but is that foolish?  — should I wait to see if symptoms reappear once again? Or if my husband experiences symptoms? I have also read that HSV can appear years and years after exposure, so if that’s the case I don’t want to ruin our lives by creating question over something that could’ve happened years ago....

What would you do if you were me? I promise no more questions. Thank you Dr HHH. 

That will have to end this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful and reassuring.