Is STD testing needed for throat pain and weight loss?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a test for STD (sexually transmitted disease), and the results were negative for all tests. I received oral sex from a spa therapist eight weeks ago. I tested for STD at six weeks. But I have had a sore throat for one month, and there is weight loss. Today I could see tiny rashes on my genitals. I tested again for HIV yesterday, and it came back non-reactive. Do I need to test again for STD?

Could you please help me with this?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I have viewed the attachments (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Receiving unprotected oral sex, though much less of a risk than unprotected vaginal or anal sex, is still not entirely safe. There is a possibility of acquiring herpes simplex infection, gonorrhea, and chlamydia through oral sex, though HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has a negligible risk unless the person performing oral sex has oral sores or bleeding gums. As far as testing is concerned, HIV has been convincingly ruled out in you at six weeks.

Even the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says a negative HIV combo test (antibody and P24 antigen test) is conclusive at six weeks. Though your HSV (herpes simplex virus), IgG (immunoglobulin G), and IgM (immunoglobulin M) are negative at six weeks, a 12 to 16-week negative HSV, IgG would be more reliable, as IgG may sometimes appear later. A negative IgM is not very reliable in ruling out HSV, as it is short-lasting, even though it appears quite early. Chlamydia has been adequately ruled out. Gonorrhea is mostly symptomatic in males. So, if you still do not have any symptoms of gonococcal urethritis, like pus discharge from the urethra and burning on micturition, it suggests that you do not have gonorrhea. So, to summarize, you just need to repeat the HSV IgG at 12 to 16 weeks. All the rest of the STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) have been ruled out. HCV (hepatitis C virus) and HBV (hepatitis B virus) are not risks through oral sex.

I hope this helps.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Thank you.