[Question #8152] HSV/STD Testing Timeframes

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48 months ago
Hi.  I had a high risk encounter on June 4th -m/m.  I performed oral for about a minute or two without protection then, was bottom’d with protection.   This was mt first such experience of this kind.  There were no symptoms of anything relevant at any time following.  Around 16 days later I developed a symptom in my eye which was some redness, minor swelling in the upper eyelid, but no discharge except some minor tearing every now and then.  Not terribly uncommon for me as I wear glasses.   I didn't think anything of it.  Anyway,  7 weeks later I went for a full panel STD test.   All tests came back negative including HSV2, HIV, syph/gon/chlamydia/hepABC.  I was positive for HSV1 which, after some research leading up to the test, didn't surprise me since several years ago I used to get a cold sore/fever blister now and then.  It's been at least 8 years since my last.  My questions are as follows:

1.  I’m reading so much conflicting information about when an HSV 2 test may actually produce antibodies.  The amount of time from so many credible sites seems to vary.  I do plan on a follow up test at what would be the 12/16 week mark.  But given that my test was at 7 weeks with no symptoms,  any thoughts on the chances those results change when I go back for follow up?  Do you suggest a 12 or 16 week follow up?

2.  Oral gonorrhea or chlamydia based on the unprotected oral.  They didn't do a mouth swab.  Would blood/urine have picked this up?  Should I do one of those at home tests with a swab?  Again, not feeling any symptoms, except an incredible amount of stress.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
48 months ago
Welcome to our forum and thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to comment. Before I go into specifics let me state that the exposure you described was relatively low risk. Your receptive rectal exposure was condom protected and amongst sexual exposures, acquisition of STI‘s is less common following oral sex then other types of sexual encounter.  Further, now, at 7 weeks following your exposure, your test results have provided valuable and important information.  Blood tests for HIV, hepatitis, and Syphilis are conclusive at this time and do not need to be repeated.  Let’s now the address you are specific questions:

1.  Your risk for acquisition of HSV-2 from the exposure to describe is negligible. HSV-2 is virtually never acquired through performing oral sex on an infected partner and condoms are highly protective for protection against herpes during receptive rectal sex. In addition, I would point out that, had you been infected and developed symptoms, this would’ve current occurred most typically within 10 days of your exposure. Finally, While your blood test strongly suggest that you did not acquire herpes from the exposure you described, particularly when considered in context with the other information you have provided, they are not tests that we would’ve recommended.  Blood tests for HSV are often unreliable in many ways. They fail to detect nearly 10% of infections in persons who acquire HSV-2 and are prone to giving false positive test results. Given the low risk nature of your exposures it is safe to presume that you did not acquire  herpes from the exposure to describe. I see no reason and in fact I would recommend against further herpes blood tests given their unreliability.

2.  Gonorrhea and chlamydia infections are acquired through direct contact with an infected surface and are local infections. Oral gonorrhea or chlamydia infection would only be detected with an oral swab. The infection does not spread through the body to become detectable with genital specimens. Your risk of having acquired oral Gonorrhea is Is moderate at most and your risk for Chlamydia, which rarely infects the oral cavity is lower still. If you wish to rule out oral gonorrhea and chlamydia infections, the right tests to do is to have oral test for these infections performed.  Should you do this, I anticipate that you will find that you were not infected. 

I hope the information I have provided is helpful to you. If parts of my answer at unclear or there are further questions, please feel free to use your act to follow up questions for clarification. EWH
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48 months ago
I truly thank you for your kindness and compassion.  Within seconds of reading this I can feel the few weeks of intense stress practically leave my body.  
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
48 months ago
Great.  I’m glad my comments were helpful.  That’s what we’re here for. EWH ---