I had unprotected sex with a male stranger - two or three wanks then I went down on him for a few seconds before leaving. Stupid, I know.

[spearcrab57]

I have since been tested 5 days after - got most results back - negative. However; a week after having sex, I noticed a red blotch on my penis if I pulled back my foreskin and the blotch seems to have got a little larger after 17 days. The GUM clinic Dr. did not examine me but said it's probably stress related or due to excessive salt. Should I get re-tested. What could it be? Don't think its herpes - there was no genital contact with me. Would I only get something show up in my mouth? I wonder if I already had some sort of infection from my wild teens and stress is making it show up now - but surely it would have shown up in the blood, urine and throat swab tests?

[Hidden]

Dear spearcrab57,

If you had nothing but masturbation it makes an STI very unlikely.

I'm surprised that the Dr in the GUM clinic did not examine you if you had symptoms.

The blood, urine and swab tests usually cover Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and HIV. Occasionally things will get missed if tested too soon.

If you are concerned I suggest you go back and ask someone to take a look.

Kind regards.

[CharlieJoe]

Dear spearcrab57,

If your penis didn't come into contact with this sexual partner it is very unlikely that you have been exposed to an STI down below. It can take up to two weeks for a bacterial infection such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea to show up on swab tests so it would be important that you have swabs taken from the the back of your throat (as you performed oral sex) at least two weeks after the event and to cover for all the other infections (HIV/Syphilis/Hepatitis) a blood test at 12 weeks (however a negative HIV blood test at 4 weeks is very reassuring).

If this is something that might happen again probably worth getting a hepatitis B vaccination too.

I'd reccommend that you go back to your GUM department and have a chat with a health advisor who will give good advice and sort out the above tests for you, it's all free and confidential.

[spearcrab57]

Thank you. I went back today and he examined me this time and said it was most likely thrush and have me Canesten HC for it and advise I come back in 3 months. Should I seek a second opinion or go to another clinic?

[CharlieJoe]

You can choose which ever sexual health clinic you want to go to so can go to a different one if you choose, but it may be worth phoning the clinic you have attended and having a chat with a health advisor and explain your concerns.

Coming back for repeat testing in three months will cover all the "window periods" but if you explain that you are concerned and want the tests as soon as they will be accurate (2 weeks for chlamydia / Gonorrhoea) (6 weeks for HIV, with the commonly used test) (3 months for hepatitis and Syphilis).

Some clinics use a different test for HIV that may be able to definately exclude HIV infection until three months has past... so best to phone your clinic and talk through these issues.

I should mention to reassure you that the sexual contact you described was very low risk for HIV/Hepatitis and Syphilis) but you still need to get checked out.

hope this helps

[spearcrab57]

Hi,

I have been using Canesten for 5 days now, the red area has diminished but all around the foreskin near the rim looks a bit redder than normal - is this the steriod cream? I did start putting on this area too, but have stopped just in case it's the cream making it worse.

Does the fact that the cream has reduced the original red area mean that is is definately thrush and nothing else?

Thank you for your help - I have decided to assume I'm healthy (whilst being responsible) but to go back to the clinic after 4 weeks from having unprotected sex as this will give a more accurate test; otherwise I will drive myself insane with imagined nightmare scenarios!

[joaparra]

if in doubt complete test again.