risk of std transmission especially herpes with condom use

[guiltyandconcerned]

I am feeling very guilty and ashamed after having sex with an escort 2 nights ago. I was very drunk and am still in shock I actually did it. A condom was used the whole time and did not break. I did not have completely full erection, but the condom never slipped off. I am woriied after reading on the internet that you can still get herpes with condom use becasue it doesn't cover everything and she could be shedding or have open sores. I didn't notice anything, but I wasn't really looking either. I also have worry because I was drunk and can't remember every little detail. She put the condom on with her mouth, started with oral, and finished vaginal. It's possible she touched my penis while she was putting on the condom, I don't remember. Perhaps her hand had vaginal fluid on it. perhaps she got vaginal fluid on my penis when she pulled the condom off of me after I finished. I'm probably being too paranoid with those last couple. This was just so out of character for me, I'm terrified. I washed my genitals thoroughly with soap and water 5-10 minutes after. Do you think I have any risk for herpes or any other stds? How much time has to go by without seeing anything on my penis to stop worrying? Thank you very much for your help, I very much appreciate this forum being here. This experience has inspired me to stop drinking, I just hope I didn't do something to ruin my health. I am 27 and no current medical issues.

[guiltyandconcerned]

Thank you very much for the quick response and peace of mind. I will do my best to relax now!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Relax.  Technically, it is possible to acquire herpes despite condom use, but it is rare.  Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection also is possible, perhaps even more likely than herpes, but recent research shows that HPV also is uncommonly transmitted when a condom is properly used.  Indirect transmission of the sort you imply (genital secretions by hand to partner's genitals) doesn't occur at all, or at least too rarely to even think about it. And there is no risk at all for any other STD.

So the odds are strongly in your favor.  Of course if you develop symptoms, get checked; but otherwise you don't need testing.  The incubation period for herpes usually is 1-2 weeks.

Good luck--  HHH, MD