Understanding Post-Masturbation Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues After Masturbation Recently, after masturbation, I have noticed some swelling on the glans. This occasionally happens when I masturbate with my hand, but I haven't noticed this issue when using sex toys. I masturbate about every two to three days. I would like to ask:...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. Masturbation does not lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)! You can only contract STIs through contact with an infected person. 2. 3. 4. This is not within the scope of infectious diseases; I would recommend abstaining for one week to see if it resolves natura...[Read More] Understanding Post-Masturbation Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Fever of unknown origin (not diagnosed) Hello, doctor. On Sunday (September 11), a family member tested positive for COVID-19, and the next day (September 12), another family member also tested positive. I have no other symptoms of COVID-19, although I did experience wrist pain f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing early symptoms of COVID-19. Initially, the viral load may be low, which could result in a false negative on a rapid test. Another possibility is whether you have been taking any prophylactic medications, a...[Read More] Unexplained Fever After Family COVID-19 Diagnosis: What to Know
Understanding Cloudy Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues Hello, I would like to ask if it is normal for my morning urine to be cloudy for a period of time. A few days ago, I had a routine check-up (with a morning urine sample), and the results showed yellow, cloudy urine with a pH of 8.5. I went for further urine testing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when you mention cloudy urine, are you referring to a darker color or the presence of suspended particles and sediment? If it's a darker color, along with your urine test report, it suggests that you may be dehydrated, leading to concentrated urine. I recommend increa...[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Having sexual relations with someone who is on PrEP? Hello, doctor. I had close contact with someone who may be an HIV patient. On that day, I had a deep kiss with him (he has bleeding symptoms when brushing his gums or sucking hard, and I also experience bleeding when I brush my...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to clarify that PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV transmission after potential exposure. Therefore, if your partner is currently taking PEP, the likelihood of them having HIV at that moment is very low. Assuming they are indeed a...[Read More] Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the risk of infection during male-to-male sexual activity involving mutual masturbation. During the process, I experienced minor fresh cuts due to dry foreskin. A small amount of my partner's semen dr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is no clear definition of what constitutes a large area wound. Based on your description, the situation is indeed very complex. It is advisable to first confirm with the individual if there are any recent test results. If there are results and they are negative, ther...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Elevated white blood cell and platelet counts? Dear Doctor: Three years ago, my blood test showed a white blood cell count of 12,400 and a platelet count of 500,000. Recently, my test results indicated a white blood cell count of 13,900 and a platelet count of 550,000, but I do n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, an elevated white blood cell count typically indicates that the body is in an inflammatory state, which may be due to infection, injury, medication (such as steroids), or other factors causing inflammation. It is advisable to first examine the areas of the body that are un...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cells and Platelets: What You Need to Know
Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
After appendectomy, the body often experiences elevated temperature, dizziness, and decreased appetite? Hello Doctor, in mid-July, I had a continuous high fever of 39 degrees Celsius for two days. I was taken to the emergency room and found out that my appendix had ruptured. The ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the main issues seem to be elevated body temperature and poor appetite. I'm not sure if there are any other discomforts, including those related to the surgical area or other parts of the body. If there are, it may be necessary to conduct ex...[Read More] Post-Appendectomy: Persistent Low-Grade Fever, Dizziness, and Appetite Loss
Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Viral infection Hello doctor, on the night of August 4th, I experienced fever and chills. The next day, I had a loss of appetite and nausea. After visiting an ENT specialist and taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but the fever returned quickly. Eventually, on August 18th,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most of these results are "reactive," meaning they show a response but may not have significant implications. 1. TOXO, or Toxoplasma gondii, antibody reactions are for reference and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. ...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Fever of unknown origin Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing unexplained fever since May 20th. I have seen both immunology and rheumatology specialists, as well as infectious disease specialists, and have undergone all necessary blood and urine tests, all of which came back nor...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, undiagnosed fever is inherently a challenging diagnostic issue, with some individuals requiring follow-up for one to two years before the underlying cause gradually becomes apparent. There are also many cases where the fever resolves on its own over time. It is recommended...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: Seeking Answers Beyond Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Gastroenteritis with fever Hello Doctor, I started experiencing diarrhea around July 23 after consuming expired milk. I visited a doctor on July 25 and was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. After finishing the medication, I thought I had recovered, so on the following Friday (Jul...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine the cause of the fever based on the above description. Some individuals with gastroenteritis may indeed have a prolonged fever, but it is generally uncommon for a fever to last more than a week. If you are still experiencing a fever, it is advi...[Read More] Understanding Fever and Symptoms in Gastroenteritis: What You Need to Know
Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Various Blood/Body Fluid Infectious Diseases Hello, doctor. If there are sores in or outside the mouth and I accidentally consume food contaminated with various bloodborne or fluidborne pathogens, is it possible to contract different bloodborne or fluidborne infections? Thank you...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. The term "food contaminated with various blood or body fluid infectious diseases' viruses/pathogens" refers to consuming items that may be tainted with infectious agents, such as undercooked meat from infected animals or food that has been handled by an infected...[Read More] Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Can You Contract Bloodborne Diseases from Contaminated Food?
Any blood or body fluid transmissible disease? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is any risk of contracting a blood or body fluid-borne infectious disease if a virus or pathogen from contaminated food comes into contact with a cut or sore in the mouth, either inside or ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of transmitting blood or bodily fluid infectious diseases through the oral cavity or food is very low, unless there is a significant bleeding wound in the mouth. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract Bloodborne Diseases from Contaminated Food?
Can You Contract Bloodborne Diseases from Haircut Tools?
Blood and Body Fluid Transmissible Diseases - Follow-up Questions Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I asked you the following question: If I go to get a haircut and the razor used for trimming my sideburns (I am male) has any bodily fluids from a previous person who has a bloodborne...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is contact with blood, there is indeed a risk; however, compared to the chances of infection from blood transfusions, sharing needles, or sexual intercourse, the risk of infection from incidental contact is relatively lower. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract Bloodborne Diseases from Haircut Tools?
Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Haircutting Tools: What You Need to Know
Blood and Body Fluid Transmissible Infections Hello, doctor. I have a question. If I go to get a haircut and the trimmer used for my sideburns has been contaminated with any bodily fluids from a previous person who has a bloodborne or fluid-borne infectious disease, and it then c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you should be concerned about are bloodborne infectious diseases or sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. These diseases cannot be transmitted through the situation you described, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Haircutting Tools: What You Need to Know