False Negatives on 4 day tests

[Anxiety2023]

Recently received unprotected oral from a sex worker in Mexico. Tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea at 4 1/2 days after contact. Both negative. I do not have typical symptoms but I do have a slight uncomfortable burning feeling on the underside of my penis head. Could be due to my extremely high anxiety and over cleaning it with harsh soap. Should I still be worried at this point? it’s been 12 days.

[auntiejessi]

4.5 days is a bit early to test, but oral sex is a lot lower risk than unprotected vaginal or anal sex.

How long ago did you use the harsh soaps (which do nothing to prevent infection, by the way)? Stop using those, drink plenty of water, give it the weekend, and if you are still feeling any burning, retest next week.

Harsh soaps aren't any better at killing things than gentle cleansers, and you only need to use a harsh soap if you have grease or something on your body. You can use a gentle, non-soap cleanser on your genitals daily and be as clean as you need to be.

Is this level of anxiety normal for you?

[Anxiety2023]

The harsh soap was mainly due to being on vacation and using what was available. Normally I would use a more gentle cleanser. I still would have over scrubbed however. And yes my anxiety runs pretty high. Especially in situations like these.

[auntiejessi]

Over scrubbing doesn't do anything, either, except irritate the skin, which then causes symptoms that make you worry more.

Have you ever talked to anyone about your anxiety - your doctor or a therapist, or both? Treatment helps. :)

[Anxiety2023]

Slight update, got tested again at day 10. All came back negative.

[auntiejessi]

Good. If your symptoms linger, see your doctor and ask for a referral to a urologist. It is not related to an STD.

Feel better. :)