Question:  I have a wild past, but that was a long time ago (3yrs).  I have never had an HIV test.  Is it possible that I have had HIV all this time without symptoms and did not no it?  ~ Crystal  Addison, TX

Answer:  Yes.  HIV is unlike any other virus.  HIV is not completely understood either.  It may remain undetectable for years.  There are even cases where HIV infection occurred; however, HIV remains undetectable in the blood.  This theory says that there are certain individuals who are actually immune to the HIV virus. 

If I was you, I definitely would not bet that I was one of those lucky individuals who benefit from this theory.  And I stress that this is only a theory and very little science has been performed to strengthen this theory. 

A HIV is a very inexpensive test and results are usually ready within 24hrs.  Keep in mind that you will have to pick up your HIV test results in person.  Most states require this step.

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Question: I have a couple red bumps on my penis and my first thoughts are herpes. Is there any reason other than an STD (i.e. Herpes) for red bumps on my penis? The appeared overnight. If this is herpes then I feel my life is over. ~ Scared in Plano.

Answer: First I would like to say don’t over react. I would also suggest that you do not self-diagnose, but I realize that realistically that probably isn’t possible.

Red bumps can appear on the penis for many reasons. Even if you have not shaved or trimmed your genitals recently it is possible that the bumps are merely ingrown hairs.

Another possible explanation for red bumps are irritated or red moles. I know you said they appeared overnight, but many times I see people that get a negative herpes test and suddenly question whether the red bump(s) have been there all along.

If the red bumps are a result of herpes then you can swing down to your local lab testing facility and get a herpes test for under a $100 bucks (no insurance). Keep in mind there are two types of herpes, and if you have ever had a cold sore you can bet you will test possible for herpes simplex I. It is not life threatening and a very large percentage of the US population carry this virus without ever have symptoms.

herpes · red bumps · sexually transmitted disease · STD

Question:  I am fifteen and I want to know if it is possible for me to have an STD without having sex?  ~ Jo Anne ~ Frisco, TX.

Answer:  Good question Jo Anne.  It is very common for someone your age to worry about contracting a sexually transmitted disease.  For the first time in your life you are probably being solicited for sex.  Parents, media, and teachers are bombarding you with the dangers of pre-marital sex.  With so much information being thrown at you it is no wonder people your age are confused about sex and STDs. 

To answer your question, yes.  However, it is extremely unlikely.  Let me explain.  It is possible to get herpers, chlamydia and other STDs at birth, but you would know if this occurred.  Or, the STD you contracted was curable such as chlamydia.  The only other way you could get an STD without sex is through direct physical (gentital) contact with someone that has an STD. 

Although you may hear someone has a friend or a cousin that got an STD without sexual contact, I am here to tell you that in all my years of STD testing I have yet to come across one person where this was the case.  Hope my words helped.

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Question:  My friend and I shared a towel to dry off.  I was spending the night at her house and was too shy to ask for my own towel.  She has genital warts.  Can I now have genital warts? ~ Ashley in Dallas

Answer:  It is not possible to contract an STD from sharing a wet towel under most all circumstances.  The only reason I did not say 100%, unequivical “NO” is due to those people whose idea of sharing a towel includes having some form of foreplay.  It is definitely possible to get a sexually transmitted disease from foreplay.  Genital warts is transmittable from non-penetration foreplay. 

There are over 25 known forms of genital warts, and all of them are very easily contracted through direct physical contact of the genitals.  This does not mean if someone touches their genitals then shakes hands then you touch your genitals that you would get genital warts.  The virus does not work that way.  Only the sensitive skin cells around your private parts are suceptible to the gential warts virus. 

It is also important to note that the HPV vaccine does NOT make you immune to all the genital warts variations.  The HPV vaccine only builds immunity to the few most common types of genital warts.

HPV · Share Towel · STD Facts

Question: Can I get herpes from sharing a swimsuit?

Answer: HIGHLY unlikely. Studies show that the sexually transmitted disease known as herpes requires skin to skin contact in order to be contagious. This question is very similar to whether it is possible to get herpes from sitting on a dirty/wet toilet. The answer to this question is also HIGHLY unlikely. The only reason it isn’t a definite NO is due to reports of individuals who acquired herpes but will not admit to recent sexual contact. However, scientific studies have not been able to reproduce herpes transmission through this method in a laboratory.

herpes · STD · std test · swimsuit