[Question #7881] Question About Passing an STD on

51 months ago

Hello -

(I’m asking a second question I forgot to bring up in another thread). Very simply:

Let’s assume I acquire an STI/STD from sexual activity with person “A”, how soon could I pass that infection on to person “B”?

Immediately? Does some sort of incubation period apply?

Thanks,

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

Welcome back to the forum. On this occasion I happened to pick up your question and will be responding. In preparing to answer your questions I reviewed your interactions with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. I hope that you are not continuing to worry about the encounter you described to him.

As you can probably understand, there are no scientific studies of how soon after acquisition of an STI transmission can occur. During the eclipse/incubation period between The exposure that leads to infection and transmissibility the organisms causing the infection need to multiply and the shed in such a way that transmission can occur. Multiplication rates for different STI‘s vary. For some STI‘s such as Gonorrhea the incubation period is relatively short, a few days. On the other hand for other STI‘s the incubation period between acquisition of infection and transmissibility is likely to be longer, even up to a few weeks for Syphilis. For many STI’s there are no firm data.

Sorry I can’t be more detailed here. If you have a specific question about a specific STI’s I would be happy to try to elaborate. EWH

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51 months ago

Thanks for answering my question Dr. Hook.

In regards to my previous question/exhange you reviewed with Dr. Hansfield, would your response be the same (“essentially zero risk for STIs”) if you include the less well known such as Mycoplasma and others?

Best,

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

I do agree with Dr. Handsfield. The exposure you described, with non-penetrative genital apposition/rubbing was a no risk event for most STIs other than herpes, Syphilis and HPV. For those STIs, the risk is is, as Dr. Handsfield said, is very low. Like Dr. Handsfield, I really see no need for testing related the exposure you have described. EWH ---

51 months ago

Dr. Hook - thanks for the nonjudgmental responses/feedback.

I don’t know how else to explain it/myself but I (hopefully) have just gotten myself wound-up here and there is nothing more going on.

I haven’t had any ‘tell-tale’ symptoms but have seemingly convinced myself that the following are an STD:

- More sensitive/mentally aware of all feelings in my penis (feeling of heaviness in that area too)

- Increased uriniary frequency

- Very slight sensation at the tip when I pee

Historically, I guess I’ve been what you would call “a worrier” / the type that needs evidence to counter my mentality.

Thanks again for any thoughts you are about to share. And apologies if this has been a waste of your time.

51 months ago

EDIT: In addition to above I’m sitting around worried “when” discharge is going to happen and if it would be easily recognizable..

Edward W. Hook M.D.

51 months ago

Thanks for the collagen you were tendency to worry. This exchange has not been a waste of time for me, particularly if you are considering my comments. Each of the tendencies you describe are a function of anxiety. Anytime that a person begins to focus on one body part or possible sensations, those sensations are heightened. For instance if you focus on a part of your body which is being touched by your watch or a piece of clothing, although you may have overlooked the sensation of touch previously, with focus you will be aware of it and perhaps it will begin to “Itch”. This is a common reaction. Dr. Handsfield created the term genitally- focused anxiety, Which describes the situation well.

If you are unable to shed your concerns, perhaps if you get tested on a single occasion you will be able to set your concerns aside. I hope so. As you know, we provide up to three responses to each clients questions. These are my third responses. Therefore, this thread will be closed shortly without for the responses. I wish you the best. EWH

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