Cunningles While On Her Period

Doctor,

2 days ago I performed unprotected sex on a girl I met in a night club. The afternoon after, my tongue developed a tingling/ burning sensation that I still have.

Could you please advise me as to what std's I would be at risk for based on this encounter/ what testing I should seek? I was exposed to some
of her blood since she was on her period. Therefore, is HIV a risk, why or why not, and what test should I get if required for conclusive results. Also, is my burning tongue a symptom of any std?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome back to the forum.

As you learned from Dr. Hook a few weeks ago, HIV is rarely if ever transmitted by oral sex.  Cunnlingus appears to be even safer than fellatio:  to my knowledge, no HIV infections have never been known to be transmitted by cunnilingus, in either direction.  Oral exposure to menstrual blood might slighly raise the risk, but the transmission chance is so low to start that it really doesn't make any significant difference.  In addition, assuming the exposure took place in the US or other industrialized country, it is very unlikely your partner had HIV.

The risk probably is higher for other STDs, but still very, very low.  Cunnilingus is not a high risk activity, and the blood exposure makes no difference.  The single most likely oral STD from performing oral sex on women is gonorrhea of the throat.  No STD causes "burning tongue" as the main symptom.  If you have multiple open sores in the mouth and on the tongue, herpes would be an issue.  But not with "burning" as the only symptom.

If you want 100% assurance, you could visit your local health department STD clinic and discuss a throat culture for gonorrhea.  Even this really isn't necessary based on the exposure and symptoms you describe.  But you should consider it if you remain nervous despite my reassurance.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[cg713]

Thank you Doctor.

So HIV testing is not necessary then? And what are the window periods for testing herpes and ghonorrhea?

Also Dr, could she of given me a yeast infection that is causing my tongue to feel like I have thrush? I had thrush as a result of taking antibiotics.

[cg713]

Thank you Doctor.

So HIV testing is not necessary then? And what are the window periods for testing herpes and ghonorrhea?

Also Dr, could she of given me a yeast infection that is causing my tongue to feel like I have thrush? I had thrush as a result of taking antibiotics.and my tongue has a similiar white coating covering it. When I brush my teeth it seems to go away for a little bit, but always comes back. Would you have any ideas for treating an oral yeast infection?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Based on my comments above, it should be obvious that no HIV testing is necessary.  But of course you are free to be tested anyway, if the negative result would help you get beyond your anxieties.

Oral yeast infections can be acquired by oral sex.  It isn't common, but it can happen.  However, it isn't possible to self-diagnose thrush.  It isn't the same as a white coated tongue, for example.  If the symptoms continue, see a doctor or clinic about it.  Not knowing the cause of these symtpoms, I cannot advise treatment.

[cg713]

Doctor,

I apologize but I have just a few more question. The burning sensation on my tongue has not subsided. Although I do not see a white coating on it, there are tiny red bumps on the tip of my tongue that were not there before this encounter. I have been using vinegar to wash out my mouth 3-4 times a day, and when I do this, the pain seems to subside for a while but the tiny red dots remain. Would you have any inclination as to what this might be?

Also, I started developing pain in my abdomen on Monday night that has persisted for a few days (Wednesday now) and sorry for the details, but are making it hard for me to utilize the bathroom even though I was very "normal" before the incident. Could these symptoms be in any way related to my oral exposure and if so, what would your best guess be?

For example, could an oral std such as ghonorrhea go on to infect my stomach and cause my lymph nodes to become swollen and cause the stomach pain or pinch my intestines? I can't think of any diet changes or any other risks that could be causing these symptoms (burning tongue included) which is why I am so concerned.

I have a Doctor's appointment on Friday in which I will explain this all to him, but your advice would go a long way in calming my fears and helping me think rationally.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Neither HIV nor other STDs cause such symptoms.  Oral gonorrhea involves the throat, not the front of the mouth, and usually causes no symptoms at all.  Except for the possibility of an oral yeast infection, I continue to be confident your symptoms are not caused by any infection acquired during the sexual encounter.  Most of your symptoms sound anxiety related.

Let me know what is found when you are examined.  I won't have any furhter comments until then.

[cg713]

Good Afternoon Doctor,

My gonorrhea throat swab came back negative. For my thrush, the nurse took a swab of my mouth in order to develop a culture, which she says nothing ever grew on, so I'm assuming that means I was negative for thrush as well if you agree.

I still have painful tiny red dots (the size of pencil pricks) on the tip of my tongue. The Doctor said I could come back in for a follow-up if I like but I wanted to ask you first if these red dots could be early signs of a herpes breakout? They have been present for about a week and do not seem to be open sores, just tiny red pricks.

Based on other member's post, I understand the risk for herpes is low but still possible. I didn't notice any sores on the girl but it is possible I missed them. I also understand that the risk of syphilis is tiny based on the fact that the girl was white and from Memphis which is places her outside of the hetero population normally affected by syphilis.

Thank you in advance for all of your help. I promise this will be my last post.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Red dots on the tongue are not a herpes symptom; this sounds like irritation of taste buds, perhaps due to something you ate.  You are right about the low risk of herpes, syphilis, and other STDs from cunnilingus.

All things considered, I'm quite certain you acquired no STD.  If any symptoms persist that concern you, continue to follow up with your current doctor.

[cg713]

Doctor,

I recently visited an ENT doctor as my tongue and mouth have continued giving me a  burning sensation that will not stop. Its has been about 17 days since me exposure and the symptoms of burning in the back of my throat has been present for a few days, in addition to the burning on my tongue.

He examined my mouth and determined the burning is coming from an overgrowth of bacteria in my touncils. He said this is common among people whose immune systems are suppressed. I have not had any fever, swollen lymph nodes that I can see, or rash, just the feeling of burning in my mouth and a rather severe headache to go along with.

Could this be a symptom of HIV. I know you said my risk my zero but after the ENT doctor this morning I am concerned. Should I seek testing? I'm considering testing at 3 weeks with either a standard antibody test and or pcr test to help ease my fears.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You do not have HIV, at least not from the exposure described.  But of course you are always free to be tested if you remain nervous despite my unequivocal advice.  Sometimes it takes a negative test to convince nervous doubters.  If you do it, I suggest you wait another week and have a duo test (HIV antibody and p24 antigen) at 4 weeks rather than spending much more money on a PCR and antibody test.  However, if you just can't wait and are keen to spend the money, the combination of negative antibody and PCR at 3 weeks will be 100% reliable.