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Is An STD Test Done 12 Weeks Post Exposure Conclusive?
Question: Seeking a second opinion. I've been corresponding with a Dr. XXXXXXX using this service on this subject for the past couple of days. He closed the thread stating he'd done all he could which is okay but I'd like a second opinion.
Long story short: I had unprotected sex with someone I didn't know while away on a business trip. I am experiencing a significant amount of guilt and shame because I have a family at home and a wife of 20 years. I started to experience real physical symptoms like a rash on my penis a couple of days after this incident. I've had a host of other symptoms over the past 12+ weeks yet all my blood tests are negative for any STD. All my doctors are saying this is psychosomatic. I know the symptoms of STDs can vary significantly from person to person. From no symptoms to severe. To summarize, can I trust the blood tests at 12 weeks and since I just started the Zoloft which in theory should ease my anxiety then ultimately my physical symptoms, how long can that take. Thank you.
Long story short: I had unprotected sex with someone I didn't know while away on a business trip. I am experiencing a significant amount of guilt and shame because I have a family at home and a wife of 20 years. I started to experience real physical symptoms like a rash on my penis a couple of days after this incident. I've had a host of other symptoms over the past 12+ weeks yet all my blood tests are negative for any STD. All my doctors are saying this is psychosomatic. I know the symptoms of STDs can vary significantly from person to person. From no symptoms to severe. To summarize, can I trust the blood tests at 12 weeks and since I just started the Zoloft which in theory should ease my anxiety then ultimately my physical symptoms, how long can that take. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry about STD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist,i can understand your concern.
As you write, your STD panel tests have repeatedly come normal.
Then you can forgot about that,without any doubt.
Maintain good penile hygiene at all times and avoid moisture over penis.
To get over your guilt feelings,it's best to engage in exercises for an hour daily.
Music therapy,yoga and meditation are all known therapeutic ways for the same.
After a month of this,if you still have any guilt feelings,which's unlikeyly,you can see a counsellor.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Nothing to worry about STD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to HCM.
As an Urologist,i can understand your concern.
As you write, your STD panel tests have repeatedly come normal.
Then you can forgot about that,without any doubt.
Maintain good penile hygiene at all times and avoid moisture over penis.
To get over your guilt feelings,it's best to engage in exercises for an hour daily.
Music therapy,yoga and meditation are all known therapeutic ways for the same.
After a month of this,if you still have any guilt feelings,which's unlikeyly,you can see a counsellor.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
That's very reassuring to read. I'm feeling better the last couple of days mentally. Hoping my physical state improves soon so I can move forward with my life. I am seeing a counselor and will continue to do so for the time being. Thanks for your time.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
You can relax.
You'll soon get over it.
Wish you well.
Dr. Matthew J. Mangat.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
You can relax.
You'll soon get over it.
Wish you well.
Dr. Matthew J. Mangat.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
One quick follow up question if I may...
I noticed what looks to me to be a little urine leakage an hour or later after my first urination of the day. I don't think it's "discharge" in the infection sense. The volume is very small and there is no burning sensation. It definitely has the consistency of urine.
Would it burn if that were an infection? The head of my penis is a little swollen so I'm wondering if I am not completely expelling all urine from my urethra which is then leaking out a little bit. Thank you doctor.
I noticed what looks to me to be a little urine leakage an hour or later after my first urination of the day. I don't think it's "discharge" in the infection sense. The volume is very small and there is no burning sensation. It definitely has the consistency of urine.
Would it burn if that were an infection? The head of my penis is a little swollen so I'm wondering if I am not completely expelling all urine from my urethra which is then leaking out a little bit. Thank you doctor.
Brief Answer:
This is typical post urinary dribble.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
There usually is a slight dribble at the end of urination.
You don't need to worry about it,unless it's large in volume.
The penis isn't affected by this.
What you need to do is,just wait a moment and attempt to expel once more.
It will be expelled completely.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
This is typical post urinary dribble.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
There usually is a slight dribble at the end of urination.
You don't need to worry about it,unless it's large in volume.
The penis isn't affected by this.
What you need to do is,just wait a moment and attempt to expel once more.
It will be expelled completely.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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