BY GERALD PALMER

Our phones ring off the hook with questions about sexual health.  And we’re happy to answer.  Wonder about some of the most frequently asked questions?  Wonder no more.  This post is devoted to giving you the answers you’re looking for.  (We’ll write a post about the rarely asked questions later.  Those are good.)  Please remember, if you have a question, call us at (888) 215-9543 to speak with a counselor.  That’s what we’re here for.

Q: Can I be positive if I’ve never had symptoms?

A: Yes, you may be positive even if you aren’t having any symptoms.  For example, women rarely experience symptoms of chlamydia.  And most people who have genital herpes aren’t even aware they have it.

Q: What if we only had sex for a few seconds? Can I get anything?

A: Yes, sexually transmitted infections can spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex.  And, even if there was no actual penetration, STDs can spread through skin to skin contact, like genital herpes.   This can happen no matter how long the exposure lasts…even a few seconds.

Q: My roommate/friend just got diagnosed with herpes. Is it safe to use the same towel/cup/silverware?

A:  Herpes does not stay alive on objects.  It’s a fragile virus without a host.  So you can’t get herpes from sharing towels and cups.

Q: Can I get an STD from oral sex?

A: Flat out, yes. You can get an STD from giving or receiving oral sex. It’s a relatively lower risk activity for some of the infections, but we don’t see the point in detailing the relative risk level for each STD. Why take the chance at all? If you think it’s a small risk, it’s still a risk, right?

Q: Why can’t I get a prescription if I already know that I’m positive?

A: Here at STD Test Express, we care about your health, and part of that care requires a documented positive result before treatment. This way we can ensure that you are getting the appropriate treatment for the infection.

Q: Do you know where I can get treatment without testing?

A: If your partner has tested positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea, there is a clinical practice called Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT).  Our doctors require positive test results before treatment, but your physician or partner’s physician may choose to treat without testing under EPT. Remember, treatment is only effective if both partners are treated and then re-tested to ensure that the infection has been cured/managed before resuming sexual activity.

And the #1 most asked question:

Q: How long should I wait to get tested?

A: This will vary from person to person – because all of the STDs have different testing windows.  Our doctors recommend testing at 3 weeks after exposure and then getting tested again at 3 months to confirm your results.

Now, we have a question for you.  If you are concerned you may have been exposed to an STD or simply want to know your status, what are you waiting for?  Don’t take a chance – get tested regularly, know your status, protect yourself and your partners.

• How to get an STD test
  

Now, if you want to try to “time” an STD test based on what you think was a recent unsafe experience, there is a more nuanced answer.  Let’s say that up until yesterday you were a virgin and never had any sexual contact — vaginal, anal, oral or other.  And yesterday you got busy in an unsafe way with someone who told you, after having a robust night of lovemaking, “Wow, that was great, but I should tell you that I have genital herpes.”  Or HIV or Hepatitis C or another STD.  In that instance, you need to get yourself checked out and think about the timing of the test.

Viral infections like Herpes (HSV-2) and HIV may not develop detectable antibodies to the virus for up to 3 months.  This is called “seroconversion.” The HIV DNA by PCR test will look for DNA cells as early as 28 days after a possible exposure because it’s not looking for antibodies.

This is getting technical but diagnostic screening is simple.  Haven’t been tested in 12 months and you’ve had unsafe sex?  Get tested today and then wear condom.  Enjoy sex responsibly!

We’d love to hear from you.  Do you get tested regularly?