[Question #9615] Testing
30 months ago
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45 days after my last promiscuous activity (question 8857), a full STD panel was completed and all tests were negative. 7 months after the test, I developed a red painless spot on my penis (possibly from rigorous masturbation a few days prior) that went away on its on after about 3-4 days with no scarring etc. Would all of the STD testing been conclusive at 45 days and I can be assured this spot had nothing to do with my previous encounter 7 months ago?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
30 months ago
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Welcome back to the forum.
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Looking back at your last thread, you say you had negative tests 8 days after exposure. Assuming you had the same tests mentioned in that thread at 45 days, the results definitely were conclusive except for HSV, for which testing is not conclusive until 12-16 weeks. However, you were at zero risk for any and all STDs from that event, assuming I correctly understand the exposure: only condom protected oral sex. (Oral sex has little risk for STD even unprotected.)
The large majority of genital skin problems are not due to STDs, even in people at potential STD risk. (I have a book titled Genital Dermatology Atlas. As the name implies, it is filled with photos and brief commentaries. All STDs are covered in only 15 of its 300+ pages, showing how uncommon they are compared to other conditions.) And no STD shows up as a "red spot". And with it having an obvious alternate cause (friction from masturbation) plus clearing up in 3-4 days, there is no possibility it was an STD. And I'll point out once again that that the event several months ago was 100% risk free.
From your four threads over nearly 5 years, it seems you have an inflated perception of STD risks. All exposures you have asked about were essentially risk free. Until and unless you have unprotected vaginal or anal sex (outside a mutually monogamous relationship), you will never be at risk and can safely assume any and all symptoms you have, including genital symptoms, are not caused by STDs.
I hope these comments reassure you. There's really nothing for you to be concerned about. Let me know if anything isn't clear.
HHH, MD
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