Hello again,

The time take to manifest symptoms varies according to the nature and type of infection. Usually, most STIs (gonorrhoea, herpes, syphillis, chlamydia, etc.) present with acute symptoms in the first few days itself (less than a week).

However, rarely, some infections can become chronic and result in persisting low-grade symptoms such as discomfort in the genitals or pelvic pain, even a few weeks after transmission.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist & Sexologist

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Hello,

I have gone through the pictures which you have sent. The first two pictures of male genital region show a small area of discolouration on the glans (head) of the penis, surrounding the urethral opening. This is indicative of a recent infection.

The other two pictures of the female genital region show genital warts - caused due to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

It is possible that the recent infection in the male partner could be due to a HPV infection contracted from the female partner.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist & Sexologist

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Hello,

Thats good news that your PCR has come back negative.

Now, regarding the HPV infection, the manifestations vary from individual to individual. In some people, their immune system is strong enough to clear the infection and prevent any manifestations. In some other people, the infection can remain dormant for some time and can result in symptoms later on.

In your case, I had mentioned that there was an indication for a recent / previous infection on your penis (it may or may not have been due to HPV). However, it doesn't appear that are any signs of any active infection currently. But, in your partner, there are outward manifestations in the form of genital warts.

Regarding your question on how it is possible to contract some STIs alone, despite having protected sex, the answer is that the certain STIs like HPV can spread even from skin contact (unlike most other STIs, including HIV). So, what I mean to say is that contact with fluids on intact skin may not be a risk for transmission of HIV, but can still be a risk for contracting HPV.

Generally, HPV infections are difficult to eradicate completely. Symptomatic treatment for the warts can be with cryotherapy, chemical cauterization, laser, antiviral creams, etc. In persons without any active symptoms or manifestations, no active treatment is required and a wait-and-watch policy can be followed.

Best wishes,

Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist & Sexologist

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You're welcome. Take care...

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist & Sexologist

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