do I need to retest

[Lincolnguy88]

Hi, I recently had a full sexual health screening at 31 days. The nurse said I would not need to complete any further tests. All my tests were negative but reading online, it sometimes seems to advise that for syphilis, you test after 90 days. Reading this has worried me. Can anyone advise what information is correct and whether I need to retest as I'm very worried.

[Hidden]

Listen to the nurshe , stop stressing . If after 90 days is positive which i highly thing it will not . Treatment is available and easily curable .

[Galen70]

It all depends on your risk . Syphilis is uncommon in heterosexual populations ( in most "first world " countries) . If you have had male contact or sex with someone from an endemic area , a 4 week test is pretty conclusive, but the guidelines do suggest screening again after 3 months to be 100% sure.

[At1012]

Did they test you for HSV1 and HSV2? A lot of sexual health std checkups leave these tests out.

[Galen70 in reply to At1012]

HSV 1 and 2 serology is not usually performed at UK sexual health clinics as it is not useful. If a person has an active ulcer , this can be swabbed for herpes simplex PCR .

[At1012 in reply to Galen70]

This explains everything. They should be tested for because a lot of these foreskin conditions could replicate herpes types 1 and 2. Both types of herpes can exist on the genitalia. They should prescribe valtrex to the men before having them circumcised and see if it helps.

[Galen70 in reply to At1012]

If you had a cold sore at age 11, you will still have positive HSV antibodies in your blood - and for the rest of your life. Doing blood tests on every sexual health patient for HSV antibodies would generate a vast workload and a vast amount of anxiety. So if someone tested positive for HSV 1 antibodies, and you never had any symptoms in your entire life, how would you counsel that person ? Especially when up to 1 in every 2 people in most populations have antibodies against the HSV virus .

[Galen70 in reply to At1012]

He doesn't mention any foreskin changes. If he had, he would have had a HSV PCR swab from the site , or even a multiplex which includes syphilis PCR

[At1012]

I understand, but if valtrex took away the discomfort, then they have it.

[Galen70 in reply to At1012]

That's not a given. Problems can improve themselves. Just because someones symptoms get better while taking a medicine, doesn't always mean its because of the medicine. There is an excellent test for herpes simplex PCR that can be taken from the skin. There are many conditions that can cause penile skin changes.

[At1012 in reply to Galen70]

Interesting analysis. There is also the placebo effect. The burning of balanitis verses the burning of herpes. How could one truly know which one it is. It just seems like people jump to be circumcised when valtrex could have been the cause in the first place. I had burning pain in the frenulum area and valtrex eliminated the pain.

One thing that’s strange, but I believe that herpes in the right area of the body, could increase sensation. In my case I would get this tingling sensation in the frenulum area, it felt kind of good lol.

[Galen70 in reply to At1012]

I think you mean effect

[At1012 in reply to Galen70]

Yes and I fixed it. Thank You