HomeAnswersVenereologyprotected sexShould I be concerned about STDs if I had protected oral and vaginal sex with a high-risk group?

What are the chances of contracting an STD with protected oral and vaginal sex with a high-risk group?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 14, 2022
Reviewed AtJune 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had protected oral and vaginal sex with a high-risk group ten days ago. I feel my feet are hot, and I have no other symptoms. I am not diabetic or hypertensive, nor am I under any medication. Also, I took Tenvir for seven days as a pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). I am worried that I contracted sexually transmitted disease (STD). Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and understood your concern. As per the history provided, STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) in direct contact with high-risk groups can be bothering. Having oral sex and sexual intercourse (assuming it was unprotected sex) would be risk factors if your sexual partners were infected already. As you have taken Tenvir (Tenofovir Disoproxil) as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), it would be helpful to some extent since they provide maximum protection with daily consumption for at least seven to 21 days. And it can be continued post-exposure as well, but one must make sure it is resumed within 72 hours of exposure for maximum benefit. Having said that, although there are no symptoms that suggest the presence of STDs, I would like to mention that STDs usually have a window period or a time between exposure and development of symptoms which may range from two weeks to three months or a few years in some cases. Therefore, it is ideal to undergo tests and assessments to rule out any possibilities. So, I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below, 1. Kindly undergo STD panel testing to rule out any possible infections. 2. Undergo HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibodies, antigens, and NAT (nucleic acid testing) tests. Also, do ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test, a gold standard test done at a laboratory or hospital. 3. Undergo HSV (herpes simplex virus) testing, CBC (complete blood count), and swab tests in case of genital secretions or sores to rule out herpes infections. 4. Undergo swab tests of normal genital secretions for a polymerase chain reaction, culture, and sensitivity to rule out STIs ( sexually transmitted infections). 5. Undergo blood serology tests to rule out syphilis. VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory test) and RPR (rapid plasma reagin) can also be done along other panels to rule syphilis as well. Kindly undergo the tests mentioned above even if there are no symptoms since it is recommended that those who are sexually active should take these tests every year. It would always be beneficial to diagnose these infections early for early treatment. However, please look for signs or development of sores, fever, ulcerations, unusual genital secretions, new lesions around the inguinal areas, rashes on palms, and in the oral cavity. Also, look for other signs like itching and burning sensation in the genital areas, including pain in the scrotal areas and burning sensation during urination. If any of the above-mentioned symptoms appear, kindly consult a doctor in person for further examination and management. In addition, I also suggest you to kindly refrain from unprotected sexual activity with high-risk groups and always undergo a physical examination by a doctor in person within 72 hours for assessment and blood serology, and other tests for protection. I suggest you to continue taking Tenvir for 30 days, which is ideally taken for at least four weeks as a PrEP. Do not worry, as worrying will cause fluctuations in the immune system, which is important for fighting infections. Kindly revert for further queries. I hope you get a good outcome following the assessment and tests, and I hope the tests turn out to be negative. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your advice. What about the chances of getting infected with protection (condom use) for oral and vaginal sex? Please share your opinion.

Hi,

Welcome back to iclniq.com. Sexual activities with protection help prevent STIs (sexually transmitted infections) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) up to 98 percent and are highly effective in providing protection from exposure. However, despite the usage of physical barriers like condoms, it is always advised to undergo STD panel tests and physical examination within 72 hours of exposure, particularly with high-risk groups or a sexual partner who is confirmed to have been infected. In addition, PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) can also be followed. I hope it was helpful to you. Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

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