Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can STD Be Contracted Through Protected Sexual Intercourse?
Question: Hi doctor,
one week ago, I had a protected sex with a sex worker(female). I am sure the condom was not broken.
But, I still worry about getting any STDs, especially herpes.
I don't have any uncomfortable feel at the moment, except the skin inflammation on penis.
I see the doctor, he said it is a simple problem, but the situation has lasted for 4 months as well as during the last sex with the sex worker.
My questions are:
1. what is the possibility for me to get the STDs like herpes by once protected sex?
2. would the skin inflammation increase the risk for getting the STDs?
Thanks
one week ago, I had a protected sex with a sex worker(female). I am sure the condom was not broken.
But, I still worry about getting any STDs, especially herpes.
I don't have any uncomfortable feel at the moment, except the skin inflammation on penis.
I see the doctor, he said it is a simple problem, but the situation has lasted for 4 months as well as during the last sex with the sex worker.
My questions are:
1. what is the possibility for me to get the STDs like herpes by once protected sex?
2. would the skin inflammation increase the risk for getting the STDs?
Thanks
Brief Answer:
A condom does not provide 100 % protection against genital herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have understood your concern.
One time protected sexual encounter is a very low risk for genital herpes infection. A condom reduces the risk of transmission, however it does not provide 100 % protection against genital herpes.
This is because a condom covers only a portion of shaft of penis and leaves a lot of neighbouring genital skin exposed for direct contact during sexual intercourse e.g base of shaft, pubic skin and base of scrotum.
Therefore I would suggest you to get yourself screened forGenital Herpes at 4 weeks with a blood test to be absolutely sure i.e ELISA for HSV type 1 & 2 Hsv.
The risk of acquiring an infection with genital herpes is more if your partner had an active episode of genital herpes/ sores at time of sexual contact and is less at other times i.e during asymptomatic phases.
Skin inflammation Or broken skin at the site of direct contact would increase chances of the infection setting in. Intact skin is more resistant as compared to inflammed/ broken skin.
Regards
A condom does not provide 100 % protection against genital herpes
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have taken note of your query and I have understood your concern.
One time protected sexual encounter is a very low risk for genital herpes infection. A condom reduces the risk of transmission, however it does not provide 100 % protection against genital herpes.
This is because a condom covers only a portion of shaft of penis and leaves a lot of neighbouring genital skin exposed for direct contact during sexual intercourse e.g base of shaft, pubic skin and base of scrotum.
Therefore I would suggest you to get yourself screened forGenital Herpes at 4 weeks with a blood test to be absolutely sure i.e ELISA for HSV type 1 & 2 Hsv.
The risk of acquiring an infection with genital herpes is more if your partner had an active episode of genital herpes/ sores at time of sexual contact and is less at other times i.e during asymptomatic phases.
Skin inflammation Or broken skin at the site of direct contact would increase chances of the infection setting in. Intact skin is more resistant as compared to inflammed/ broken skin.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sorry, I am confused with the possibility. I mean what is the possibility for me to get the STDs at once time.
I take the PCR test and blood test today, how is the result reliable for just one week past since the last sex. The doctor said I can trust that if the results show the negative.
If there is no any symptoms after 2 week, can I consider that I don't get infection
I take the PCR test and blood test today, how is the result reliable for just one week past since the last sex. The doctor said I can trust that if the results show the negative.
If there is no any symptoms after 2 week, can I consider that I don't get infection
Brief Answer:
Chances are about 4% for acquiring herpes infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
There are about 4% chances that one can get herpes infection from a single protected sexual act provided the sexual partner is +ve for genital herpes.
Testing by PCR for herpes, a week after sexual contact, is highly reliable and a negative test would rule out herpes infection.
Herpes infection may be clinically silent for weeks or months and therefore in the absence of confirmatory lab testing absence of signs or symptoms at 2 weeks does not reliably rule out herpes. Lab. testing is the only reliable criteria to either confirm or rule out infection in the absence of signs and symptoms.
Regards
Chances are about 4% for acquiring herpes infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
There are about 4% chances that one can get herpes infection from a single protected sexual act provided the sexual partner is +ve for genital herpes.
Testing by PCR for herpes, a week after sexual contact, is highly reliable and a negative test would rule out herpes infection.
Herpes infection may be clinically silent for weeks or months and therefore in the absence of confirmatory lab testing absence of signs or symptoms at 2 weeks does not reliably rule out herpes. Lab. testing is the only reliable criteria to either confirm or rule out infection in the absence of signs and symptoms.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
