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STDs  (Expert Forum)
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contracting gen herpes through oral sex
Answered by
University of Washington Seattle - WA
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.

IMPORTANT

This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum

Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.

contracting gen herpes through oral sex

by worried_05, Oct 19, 2005 12:00AM
Hello,



Thank you for providing a great service.  



Unfortunately, four days ago, i received oral sex from a girl who had a cold sore at the time.  I have had cold sores in the past, maybe 1 or 2 a year, predominately in the winter months.  Approximately 8-12 hours after receiving oral sex, i began to have a tingling sensation in the tip of my penis which turned into a pinching or burning sensation.  This uncomfortable state has continued for the last three-four days.  It seems as though the discomfort in the end of my penis isn't directly related to urination but rather is pretty persistent.  Near the top/inside of the urethra, there may be a very slight redening [1-2mm] but no unusual blistering, lesions, or discharge that i can tell.



I'm very worried that I've contracted genital herpes from the oral sex and wanted to get your opinion.  



If by chance I did contract genital herpes from the oral sex, is there a way that i could get the irritated area tested to be sure?  I plan on visiting my urologist asap as i've read the sooner the better with these things.  Do you think that my prior oral herpes incidents may have protected me from the oral to genital herpes infection?  



I would like to be as sure as possible because i want to get back together with a previous girlfriend and don't want to cause her the same anxiety and fear that i'm experiencing.



Please let me know your thoughts and feel free to add any additional information or suggestions regarding the oral to genital transmission.



thanks,

worried_05

by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 20, 2005 12:00AM
As others responded before me (below), no STD can cause symptoms within a few hours.  The most common cause of urethral pain/discomfort that soon after sex is chemical irritation, typically from a spermicide, soap that gets in after washing vigorously after sex, and so on.



Yes, your oral herpes protected you from getting HSV-1 genital infection.  People infected with HSV-1 are immune from reinfection at any body site.



If your urethral discomfort persists, see a health care provider, preferably one knowledgeable about STDs.  But most likely the symptom will fade, in which case I wouldn't worry about it.



Good luck-- HHH, MD
Member Comments (7)

by SweetCaroline, Oct 19, 2005 12:00AM
Hi there if you reviewed the doctor's previous answers, there are no STD's that show up with symptoms in 8-12 hours.

by worried_05, Oct 19, 2005 12:00AM
Hi,



Yes, i've read almost all threads on hsv1 and oral-gen transmission but had to ask the question.  I've been terribly upset about all this and wanted to omit the fact it started quickly so my concerns would be taken seriously but also wanted to be as honest and forcoming as possible.  I've had the pinch/burn for a few days [been almost 5 since possible contraction] and it did start pretty quickly.  Any insight is very appreciated.



Thanks,

W

by Alias Lola, Oct 20, 2005 12:00AM
To: worried_05
If you've had cold sores in the past, it's most likely due to HSV-1, and you are immune from being infected again on another location on your body. So, I doubt your symptoms are related to the cold sore on the girl performing oral sex on you.

by worried_05, Oct 20, 2005 12:00AM
Thanks for the input.



If this sting/burn in the end of the penis is not due to the cold sore exposure, what could it be?





Dr. HHH, do you have any advice or recommendation?  Either on current symptoms or testing?



Please advise.



Sincerly,

Worried

by worried_05, Oct 20, 2005 12:00AM
To: Dr. HHH
any thoughts?  sorry if i'm being a little too persistent but i'm scared and really need to hear from you.



Regards,

Very Worried

by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Oct 20, 2005 12:00AM
To: worried_05
I have nothing to add to my response above.  See a health care provider if your symptoms persist.  It isn't due to herpes exposure, period.



HHH, MD
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