Friction Burn or STI? How to Know for Sure

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

You need to get examined and follow up with both a blood test and a swab test. If your boyfriend agrees, it would be helpful for him to get tested too. Since your symptoms and affected areas (like lesions, redness, or pain) are not described, further evaluation is necessary.

Treatment will depend on the type of STI diagnosed—it could be a gonococcal infection, CMV, or early-stage syphilis. It’s also possible to have multiple infections simultaneously. If either of you tests positive, both partners will require treatment. It is recommended to use safe barrier contraception to prevent reinfection or unintended pregnancy.

Thanks