Am I at Risk for STDs After a Visit to a Japanese Brothel?

Q: Am I at Risk for STDs After a Visit to a Japanese Brothel?

Concern： Hello, 1. <br>Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have specific symptoms, except for a few. <br>Therefore, clinical symptoms can be used to determine if there is an infection. <br>However, some STIs have a latency period; the time from May 14 to now is very short

Am I at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI)? I'm very worried?

On May 14th, I went to Japan and visited a sex establishment.
During the experience, a woman only performed manual and oral stimulation.
I currently have no symptoms and have been to the hospital for an examination, where the doctors said I am overly worried and do not need to be anxious.
I would like to ask if this is true.
I am not circumcised, and my foreskin was originally tight, but since the visit to the establishment, the woman pulled back my foreskin to expose the glans, and now my foreskin feels soft and lacks elasticity, with no sensation when touched.
The coronal sulcus appears to be a deep red color.
I would like to ask if this is considered normal.
Thank you.

Danxin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/05/18

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Concern: Hello, 1.
Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have specific symptoms, except for a few.
Therefore, clinical symptoms can be used to determine if there is an infection.
However, some STIs have a latency period; the time from May 14 to now is very short, and some STIs may not have manifested yet.
You can visit the Centers for Disease Control website, which has very detailed information about STIs; reviewing it should enhance your knowledge.
Note: If there are no symptoms, testing is generally not necessary.
However, if you are very concerned, it is recommended to have blood tests (for HIV and syphilis) three months later, and then again one year later for HIV.
2.
Regarding the issue with the foreskin, a diagnosis can only be made through a physical examination.
It cannot be determined without seeing it.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.
Answers from the internet should only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is still important to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare Taitung Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2015/05/18

More Info

When considering the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) after a visit to a brothel, it's essential to evaluate the specific activities that took place, the protection used, and the general understanding of STD transmission.

Risk Assessment
1. Nature of Activities: From your description, the activities involved manual stimulation and oral sex. Both of these activities carry different levels of risk for STD transmission. Oral sex is generally considered lower risk compared to vaginal or anal intercourse, especially if no ejaculation occurs in the mouth. However, it is not without risk, particularly if the partner has an STD.

2. Protection Used: You mentioned that there was no condom used during oral sex, which increases the risk of transmission for infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes. The use of a condom during penetrative sex is a significant protective measure, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely if other forms of sexual activity were unprotected.

3. Symptoms and Medical Evaluation: You noted that you currently have no symptoms and have consulted with a doctor who reassured you that your concerns may be excessive. It’s important to remember that many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that individuals can carry and transmit infections without showing any signs. Regular testing is crucial, especially after potential exposure.

Recommendations
1. Testing: It is advisable to get tested for STDs after any new sexual encounter, especially if it involved unprotected sex or oral sex with a partner whose STD status is unknown. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing for STDs at least once a year for sexually active individuals, and more frequently if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk behaviors.

2. Timing of Tests: For most STDs, testing is most accurate after a certain window period. For example, HIV tests are typically reliable after 3 months, while other infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be tested for sooner. If you are concerned about specific infections, consult with a healthcare provider about the appropriate timing for testing.

3. Physical Changes: Regarding the changes you’ve noticed in your foreskin and the glans (the head of the penis), it’s not uncommon for the skin to appear different after sexual activity, especially if there was friction or stretching involved. However, if you notice persistent redness, swelling, or any discomfort, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider or a urologist for a thorough examination. Changes in skin texture or color can sometimes indicate irritation or an infection that may require treatment.

Conclusion
In summary, while your risk may be lower due to the nature of the activities and the absence of symptoms, it is still important to remain vigilant. Regular testing and open communication with healthcare providers are key to maintaining sexual health. If you have any further concerns or notice any unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Remember, being proactive about your sexual health is the best way to ensure your well-being.

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