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Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.

In a way, yes. The anal region is generally not designed to be used for any means other than defecation. Despite its mucosal surfaces, it is highly prone to damage – resulting in microtears and abrasions when anal sex is performed. These abrasions and openings are now susceptible to the potential pathogens present in either their partner’s genitalia or in the excrement itself – making it easier for the pathogen to reach the systemic circulation, thus causing an infection more easily.

Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.

HIV is another infamous condition that has seen a significant increase in prevalence in the past few years. HIV is a condition that slowly disables the body’s immune system, leaving it with no defenses and highly susceptible to various opportunistic conditions. The human immunodeficiency virus causes it, and in its late stages, the condition is then known as AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.