Should I Get Tested for STDs After a One-Night Stand?

Having a one-night stand?

Three months ago, I had a one-night stand with a female friend I met online.
She performed oral sex on me without a condom and we had vaginal intercourse with a condom.
Afterward, I felt a sense of guilt and have been worried about sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
However, it has been three months and I have not experienced any symptoms, so I believe I may not have contracted HPV, syphilis, or gonorrhea.
I still have concerns about the possibility of HIV infection.
I asked my female friend, and she said she has no STIs, but she has had multiple sexual partners, while I have had very few encounters.
Should I get tested, or am I overreacting? I kindly ask for your guidance regarding my concerns.

Haohao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/14

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology

As long as there is sexual activity, there is certainly a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Unprotected vaginal intercourse can transmit or infect certain bacteria or viruses.
Even with the consistent use of condoms, there is no guarantee of the condom's quality, and issues such as slippage or breakage can occur during use.
Therefore, it cannot be said that using condoms will completely prevent STIs, but it can reduce the risk of infection.
Reducing the number of sexual partners and engaging in safer sexual practices can further decrease the likelihood of contracting STIs.
Consistent condom use can minimize the contact between bodily fluids and the mucous membranes of the penis and vagina, thereby lowering the risk of infection.
The more sexual encounters one has, the higher the chance of STI transmission.
Prevention is better than treatment.

Currently, you do not show symptoms of any sexually transmitted diseases, but different diseases have varying incubation periods.
For example, HIV or syphilis may have an incubation period of 1 to 3 months.
The onset and testing timelines differ for various diseases.
Psychological fears cannot be tested; physicians often need to take a medical history, conduct visual examinations, palpation, and tests to confirm diagnosis and treatment options.
It is recommended that if you suspect an infection, you should seek examination and treatment from a nearby urologist.

Reply Date: 2015/08/14

More Info

When it comes to engaging in sexual activities, especially with new partners, the concern about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is valid and important. In your case, having had unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse three months ago, it is understandable that you are feeling anxious about potential infections, particularly HIV.

Firstly, it’s important to note that while the absence of symptoms is a positive sign, it does not guarantee that you are free from STDs. Many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that individuals can carry and transmit infections without showing any signs or symptoms. This is particularly true for HIV, which can remain undetected for years in some cases. Therefore, even if you feel healthy, it is advisable to get tested.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners or those who engage in high-risk behaviors, get tested for STDs regularly. This includes testing for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and other infections. Given that you had a one-night stand and your partner has a history of multiple sexual encounters, it would be prudent to get tested.

In terms of timing, the window period for testing varies depending on the specific STD. For HIV, most tests can reliably detect the virus within 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, but it is recommended to wait at least 3 months for a conclusive result. Since it has been three months since your encounter, you are in a good position to get tested.
Regarding your specific concerns about the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex, it is generally considered to be lower than vaginal or anal sex, but it is not zero. Factors such as the presence of cuts or sores in the mouth, the viral load of the HIV-positive partner, and other STDs can increase the risk. Since your partner has had multiple sexual partners, it is wise to err on the side of caution.

When you go for testing, you can request a comprehensive STD panel that includes tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Many clinics offer confidential testing, and some even provide rapid tests for HIV that can give you results within minutes.

In conclusion, it is highly advisable for you to get tested for STDs, including HIV, regardless of whether you have symptoms. This will not only provide you with peace of mind but also ensure that if you do have an infection, you can receive timely treatment. Remember, taking charge of your sexual health is an important step in maintaining your overall well-being. If you have further concerns or questions, consider speaking with a healthcare provider who can offer personalized advice and support.

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