Hello and sorry if this is not the correct place to ask but i don’t know where else to go. 

Welcome to our forum and thanks for your questions. In the United States and among persons living in the United States infections with HTLV is extraordinarily rare, far less common than infection with HIV which itself is rare.  Neither persons in the United States nor persons from the United Kingdom represent persons particularly likely to have HTLV infections.  Further, like virtually all STI’s, when persons have chronic viral infections such as HTLV or HIV, the likelihood of transmission following a single or even a relatively few sexual encounters is low. Estimated transmission rates for each of these infections following a solitary vaginal exposure to an infected partner is substantially less than him one infection per 1000 sexual encounters.---

Thank you for your answer. Do you then agree my symptoms could be caused by HTLV? They’re not really progressive if anything they get better at times and those are the only two symptoms I’m concerned about. 

Thanks for your follow up. In rereading my original response I see that a typographical error was present.  I mistakenly thought that your symptoms were progressive (you clarify that above) and meant to write that if they are troubling you they warrant further evaluation. That is the reason that I mentioned the potential for evaluation by an internist or neurologist.  HTLV infections cause a wide variety of non-specific symptoms. While you are epidemiological be at very low risk for this rare infection, the symptoms you describe are on the list.  Those same symptoms can also be caused by numerous other processes as well. It is for that reason that I suggested a thorough evaluation.  I would be very surprised if you were found to have HTLV but, as I said, if the symptoms are troubling you or are progressive you should have them evaluated. ---

Thank you for your response. It is my understanding that there is no treatment or cure for htlv or any associated illness. My urinary urgency does improve a lot at times and if it turns out to be just a UTI would you still recommend testing for it? I’m just not sure if the mental impact would be worth it (much like why testing for herpes isn’t recommended) 

I actually do also take sertraline for my OCD and just read SSRIs can be responsible for urinary urgency and frequency. Is it possible my symptoms are caused by just about anything else but HTLV? I’m very nervous and scared as I’m sure you can imagine so I just want to know if my symptoms are severe enough for that to be considered. 

Thanks for your follow-up.  As you know, as this will be my 3rd reply, it will be my final reply as part of the thread.---

Thank you if you think it’s very unlikely to be related to HTLV that is reassuring. That said considering all I told you, would you recommend I go out and test for it or would you recommend getting checked to see other more likely causes first. Thank you. 

Testing is a personal choice.  It would certainly not be high on my list of possible causes for your symptoms.  If you would benefit from the reassurance testing would provide, you should do it.  No further replies!!!  EWH---