Q25: STDs

This post is a little unusual: We had a reader email us about Q18: We just said "I Love You" -- what about sex? This particular comment is about STDs. We've added our own comments/additional information, as well.

Your answer to the woman seeking thought points on her virginity was excellent. You taught me a few things I did not know.

There are several points about STDs you didn't mention, that are important.

* Not all STDs can be tested for.

That's definitely correct. Some STDs, like Herpes simplex virus (HSV), as actually asymptomatic. Symptoms include sores, ulcers, and blisters on any part that's infected, usually on the genital area. You can also get either HSV2 (the type of virus that affects the genital area) or HSV1 (the type of virus that gives people cold sores) on your genital area and/or around your mouth. So oral sex can transmit either type of this virus. Herpes actually has infected about 1/4 men and 1/5 women.

* Some STDs need an incubation period before a test will show that a person is infected. Including HIV/AIDS. The period can be up to 6 months.

This is very true. For HIV/AIDS in particular, after being tested once, you should go back after about six months and be tested again. Syphillis should also be tested for -- if it's left untreated for too long, it can develop into neurosyphillis, which affects your nerve cells.

* STD tests can have false negatives - indication no infection when a person does have a STD and can infect others. Testing by two health providers that use different labs lower the likelihood.

* STD tests can also have false positives - indicating infection where there is none.

You can never be too cautious, really. You should be tested after every new sexual partner. The sooner you're tested, the faster you can be treated.

To see various state facts about STDs, visit Kaiser StateHealthFacts. Info for Massachusetts can be found at: Massachusetts: Sexually-Transmitted Diseases. A pretty good article about basic STD facts can be found via WebMD: STDs. WebMD also has a Symptom Guide. You can also check out ObGyn: STDs/Women. A somewhat larger database about STDs, medicine, symptoms, etc, can be found at myDNA.com.

That said, be careful, people.