Aa
Did something dumb and now I’m freaking out!
So I am a 38 year old Caucasian male. Healthy and in a committed relationship of over 10 years. A few days ago I was on a trip (Vegas) and was approached by a sex worker. Well in my drunken state I accepted the invite. SW is about a 25 year old African American female. She performed oral sex on me for about 10-15 min, at that point I removed the condom and ejaculated on my stomach. At no time did the condom come off while she was performing. I think I know the answers here but I’d like to hear it from someone else. 1) do I need to get tested? I’m so scared of getting something 2) what are the real chances I could have contracted something? Again I’m freaking out about this. Appreciate the assistance in easing my nerves. Lastly, It has been 3 days since and I do not have any symptoms. Am I safe to proceed sexually with my partner?
COMMUNITY LEADER
The chances of you getting anything from this are next to zero.
The only things you might be at risk for are syphilis and genital herpes type 1, if you don't already have oral herpes type 1.
Chances of both are incredibly low since you used a condom, and if she had no sores on her lips, I'd put syphilis at zero.
Even if you don't remember ever getting a cold sore, 67% of the population under 50 has oral hsv1 and 90% of them never get a symptom, so you could easily have it and not know it.
This is not something I'd worry about, or bother testing for. The herpes blood test misses a full 30% of hsv1 infections, so even if you test negative for it, you could easily still have it.
I know you have a partner and you're concerned, but you don't need to be.
The only things you might be at risk for are syphilis and genital herpes type 1, if you don't already have oral herpes type 1.
Chances of both are incredibly low since you used a condom, and if she had no sores on her lips, I'd put syphilis at zero.
Even if you don't remember ever getting a cold sore, 67% of the population under 50 has oral hsv1 and 90% of them never get a symptom, so you could easily have it and not know it.
This is not something I'd worry about, or bother testing for. The herpes blood test misses a full 30% of hsv1 infections, so even if you test negative for it, you could easily still have it.
I know you have a partner and you're concerned, but you don't need to be.
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Thank you. I had figured but I know condoms aren’t 100%. I also was freaking out that she was a SW. I guess I can assume she’s pretty safe though if she insisted on condom use
Please remember that sex workers are protecting themselves from you and their other clients, not protecting you, when they use condoms.
They are protecting their health, their livelihoods, their incomes. Whether they are feeding a drug addiction, their kids, or their money goes to a pimp, they have to protect it.
So I'm sure you're good. :)
They are protecting their health, their livelihoods, their incomes. Whether they are feeding a drug addiction, their kids, or their money goes to a pimp, they have to protect it.
So I'm sure you're good. :)
Appreciate it. This helps. I’ve been having panic attacks all day about this, worrying I’m going to pass something to my partner.
Okay, so panic attacks. I'm guessing anxiety isn't new for you. Have you ever talked to your doctor about that? You should. Mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Oh yes I’m on medication for anxiety and see a therapist. I got that covered. Was way more concerned about this situation as I’ve never been down this road before.
Glad to hear you're on top of it already. Definitely talk to your therapist about this, and use the coping skills I'm sure you've been given. :)
So just to summarize, you are very confident that I am safe in this situation. As in you’d be very surprised if I popped up with anything and I can assume it is safe to resume relations with my partner
I have to say, unforgivingVance, the constant reassurance seeking is a major sign of an anxiety disorder. AJ answered your questions but you want more reassurance. Your best bet is to work with a therapist and your doctor to treat this anxiety Getting reassurance over and over just makes the anxiety worse in the end.
Speak to the therapist for why asking for reassurance is detrimental in the recovery for anxiety. You are hurting your ability to live a less anxious life by giving into this compulsion. best of luck to you. We don't want to keep you sick so suggest you look at this from an anxiety angle at this point
you are very confident that I am safe in this situation - Yes.
As in you’d be very surprised if I popped up with anything - Yes.
and I can assume it is safe to resume relations with my partner - Yes.
You're good, really.
As in you’d be very surprised if I popped up with anything - Yes.
and I can assume it is safe to resume relations with my partner - Yes.
You're good, really.
Thank you all. Yes you are 100% correct, I have a diagnosed anxiety disorder that I’ve been working on for a year. I know that is not helping my case. Appreciate it nonetheless
You're welcome. :) Take care.
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You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
