Aa
Unprotected Oral Caused 2 STDs
Dear Dr,
I was quite surprised of your assertions on this forum that STDs are no common in episodes of unprotected oral sex (fellatio). From what I've read of many sites and guidelines from thebody.com, I always thought the risks of getting infected with certain STIs like Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and NGU are quite common with unprotected oral sex, except for chances of HIV infection which is very low.
In fact, my recent experience this week confirmed my belief: I was diagnosed with Gornorrhea and NGU by a GP and was given a single dose of Ceftriaxone, 1g of Azithromycin and some Urispas.
My only potential exposure which resulted in the diagnosis (no tests were conducted except for a visual examination of my penis and symptoms of pain of the penis head and difficulty urinating) was an episode of unprotected fellatio, *** rimming and protected vaginal intercourse.
My concern is in these past few days, I also experienced dull testicular aches. I was previously diagnosed with Varicoele. So is this current bout of pain caused by my STD infection or Varicoele? I presume its caused only by varicoele and nothing to do with the STDs since they have already been treated with the course of antibiotics.
This may not be a place for HIV questions. But since I'm asking about the chances of my HIV risk in relation to the fact that I have already gotten infected with 2 STDs from this same single episode, I would like your assessment of my HIV risk as well.
Appreciate your time. Thanks!
I was quite surprised of your assertions on this forum that STDs are no common in episodes of unprotected oral sex (fellatio). From what I've read of many sites and guidelines from thebody.com, I always thought the risks of getting infected with certain STIs like Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea and NGU are quite common with unprotected oral sex, except for chances of HIV infection which is very low.
In fact, my recent experience this week confirmed my belief: I was diagnosed with Gornorrhea and NGU by a GP and was given a single dose of Ceftriaxone, 1g of Azithromycin and some Urispas.
My only potential exposure which resulted in the diagnosis (no tests were conducted except for a visual examination of my penis and symptoms of pain of the penis head and difficulty urinating) was an episode of unprotected fellatio, *** rimming and protected vaginal intercourse.
My concern is in these past few days, I also experienced dull testicular aches. I was previously diagnosed with Varicoele. So is this current bout of pain caused by my STD infection or Varicoele? I presume its caused only by varicoele and nothing to do with the STDs since they have already been treated with the course of antibiotics.
This may not be a place for HIV questions. But since I'm asking about the chances of my HIV risk in relation to the fact that I have already gotten infected with 2 STDs from this same single episode, I would like your assessment of my HIV risk as well.
Appreciate your time. Thanks!
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'd get your back checked out.
If you want another doctor's thoughts, then post in the expert forum, but to be honest, I don't know what they will say that's all that different than mine, but I certainly see the value of having HHH or Dr. Hook's thoughts on paper to show your doctor.
I think to ease your mind, you need to get some proper testing done, and why not just go to an std clinic and get it done all at once? That has to be easier than going through all this with the referrals and all. Then, if they are all negative, you can take those results (and get copies) to a urologist or whatever.
Aj
If you want another doctor's thoughts, then post in the expert forum, but to be honest, I don't know what they will say that's all that different than mine, but I certainly see the value of having HHH or Dr. Hook's thoughts on paper to show your doctor.
I think to ease your mind, you need to get some proper testing done, and why not just go to an std clinic and get it done all at once? That has to be easier than going through all this with the referrals and all. Then, if they are all negative, you can take those results (and get copies) to a urologist or whatever.
Aj
HI AJ,
There seems to be some improvement to the groin pain. And it does really seem to be unrelated to any STIs as the throbbing aches are appearing around the upper thigh region and not near or on the testicles.
In fact, I'm experiencing side aches around my waist and hips, and I think they may be caused by my recent bouts of upright standing that lasts a few hours every day, which only started recently . So it may just be a coincidence that it appeared around the time when I had an episode of STI which in turn is causing all the anxiety.
What do you reckon?
By the way, if you have the time, I appreciate if you could read through my 2nd last post (the long one), and try to answer some of the questions I posted there.
Thanks.
There seems to be some improvement to the groin pain. And it does really seem to be unrelated to any STIs as the throbbing aches are appearing around the upper thigh region and not near or on the testicles.
In fact, I'm experiencing side aches around my waist and hips, and I think they may be caused by my recent bouts of upright standing that lasts a few hours every day, which only started recently . So it may just be a coincidence that it appeared around the time when I had an episode of STI which in turn is causing all the anxiety.
What do you reckon?
By the way, if you have the time, I appreciate if you could read through my 2nd last post (the long one), and try to answer some of the questions I posted there.
Thanks.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there -
I did miss it, so thanks for bumping it up.
In the last 8 days, has anything changed? Have you gotten a referral yet?
I wouldn't put a lot into the pains in your groin by your thigh - that could easily be a pulled or strained muscle.
Aj
I did miss it, so thanks for bumping it up.
In the last 8 days, has anything changed? Have you gotten a referral yet?
I wouldn't put a lot into the pains in your groin by your thigh - that could easily be a pulled or strained muscle.
Aj
Hi, just to let you know that I posted my questions above while you were away. So you may have missed it among the clutter.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hi AJ,
I've still got about 3.5 more days to go with my Doxy. The urgency to urinate has since subsided, though the aches are still ever present.
The aches now are not in the testicle or scrotum, but somewhere around the crease between the thighs and lower abdominal. It occurs intermittently and normally aches only on one side at a time. Its occurrence is spread out about every few hours and it
lasts only around a few minutes before disappearing again.
The furthest north it has traveled is not beyond the height of the hip bone - or at least that's how I perceive it.
I'm not sure if it matters, but it appears that the aches normally occurs either when I'm standing for long hours and/or sitting down. When I retire to my bed or when I'm lying down, the aches appears to becomes less frequent.
Is this intermittent lower abdominal aches indicative of any forms of STDs? I read from another post that STI related symptoms are mostly persistent unless treated, so it appears that symptoms that are intermittent are mostly likely non-STD related?
I'm curious as to what might entail, since I've already been given a variety of antibiotics to handle any possible STDs. Would it be safe to presume that even if I got one of those nasty super-Gonorrhea that are resistant to some antibiotics, mine would still have been cured by the 3 antibiotics I've been given?
By the way, during my last visit when the doctor gave me the Doxy, he wrote the following in his referral letter:
"oe abdo soft and no organomegaly, no pus discharge noted, and no inguinal lymph node or varicocele noted, no ulcers / vesdciles."
His ending words to the STD specialist were:
"NGU / Chlamydia? pse advise? tnx"
I don't know whether I should laugh or just squirm at the doctor's comments.
Or whether I should knock the doctor down and get a proper referral to see a Urologist directly with the assurance that no STD could be the cause of this problem.
Should I also consult the Doctors in the expert forums for their opinions, before seeing a Urologist? May be I can print out his reply and show it to the Uro, since I believe that they may not be the smartest folks around when it comes to STD expertise.
Confused and Concerned!
I've still got about 3.5 more days to go with my Doxy. The urgency to urinate has since subsided, though the aches are still ever present.
The aches now are not in the testicle or scrotum, but somewhere around the crease between the thighs and lower abdominal. It occurs intermittently and normally aches only on one side at a time. Its occurrence is spread out about every few hours and it
lasts only around a few minutes before disappearing again.
The furthest north it has traveled is not beyond the height of the hip bone - or at least that's how I perceive it.
I'm not sure if it matters, but it appears that the aches normally occurs either when I'm standing for long hours and/or sitting down. When I retire to my bed or when I'm lying down, the aches appears to becomes less frequent.
Is this intermittent lower abdominal aches indicative of any forms of STDs? I read from another post that STI related symptoms are mostly persistent unless treated, so it appears that symptoms that are intermittent are mostly likely non-STD related?
I'm curious as to what might entail, since I've already been given a variety of antibiotics to handle any possible STDs. Would it be safe to presume that even if I got one of those nasty super-Gonorrhea that are resistant to some antibiotics, mine would still have been cured by the 3 antibiotics I've been given?
By the way, during my last visit when the doctor gave me the Doxy, he wrote the following in his referral letter:
"oe abdo soft and no organomegaly, no pus discharge noted, and no inguinal lymph node or varicocele noted, no ulcers / vesdciles."
His ending words to the STD specialist were:
"NGU / Chlamydia? pse advise? tnx"
I don't know whether I should laugh or just squirm at the doctor's comments.
Or whether I should knock the doctor down and get a proper referral to see a Urologist directly with the assurance that no STD could be the cause of this problem.
Should I also consult the Doctors in the expert forums for their opinions, before seeing a Urologist? May be I can print out his reply and show it to the Uro, since I believe that they may not be the smartest folks around when it comes to STD expertise.
Confused and Concerned!
COMMUNITY LEADER
Your test results that you show here indicate no NGU. You'd have white blood cells if you had NGU. The contamination might be the EC, which I am assuming are epithelial cells, or skin cells. I don't see that as a big problem, and your other results should be accurate.
If your symptoms are gone, I see no reason to go to the specialist. The only stds you could get from oral are gonorrhea, NGU and syphilis, and syphilis doesn't present with symptoms like this. The meds you took would cure gonorrhea and NGU, a couple of times over.
Aj
If your symptoms are gone, I see no reason to go to the specialist. The only stds you could get from oral are gonorrhea, NGU and syphilis, and syphilis doesn't present with symptoms like this. The meds you took would cure gonorrhea and NGU, a couple of times over.
Aj
Hi,
The doc actually did two tests on my urine. One was a ufeme nad with the following results:
RBC = 0
WBC = 0
EC = 7
The culture results were not out during my visit. Will STDs cause any kind of abnormal results on these tests? If so, I would expect a call from the clinic if they found something. Right?
Also, are these are not tests typically used for testing for STIs?
You mentioned I may also have contracted NGU. So my question is, with the battery of antibiotics I have been given so far (Cipro IM and Zithromax), and the current Doxy regime (10 days @ 100mg twice daily), would all these drugs effectively eliminate any STIs that I have or may have contracted through this single unprotected fellatio encounter?
Because, if this final course of Doxy cures me of my symptoms, then I may not even want to go and see the STD Specialist that the doc referred me to. I see no point if it won't help much, barring any further symptoms.
What do you suggest?
The doc actually did two tests on my urine. One was a ufeme nad with the following results:
RBC = 0
WBC = 0
EC = 7
The culture results were not out during my visit. Will STDs cause any kind of abnormal results on these tests? If so, I would expect a call from the clinic if they found something. Right?
Also, are these are not tests typically used for testing for STIs?
You mentioned I may also have contracted NGU. So my question is, with the battery of antibiotics I have been given so far (Cipro IM and Zithromax), and the current Doxy regime (10 days @ 100mg twice daily), would all these drugs effectively eliminate any STIs that I have or may have contracted through this single unprotected fellatio encounter?
Because, if this final course of Doxy cures me of my symptoms, then I may not even want to go and see the STD Specialist that the doc referred me to. I see no point if it won't help much, barring any further symptoms.
What do you suggest?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Well, I am just as confused as you are. He has your urine sample, and he could have done std testing himself, and referred you out to yet another doc, but then gave you meds that will complicate std testing. He also gave you meds that essentially duplicate what you've already taken.
If you decide to get the std testing, and take the doxy, you will have to wait 2 weeks after your last pill to test, as antibiotics can give false negative results on std tests.
I wouldn't base a diagnosis solely on time frame of symptoms. They can be helpful in determining what tests need to be done, but that alone is not enough for a diagnosis. And it could also be NGU.
I'm sorry you've been through all this.
Aj
If you decide to get the std testing, and take the doxy, you will have to wait 2 weeks after your last pill to test, as antibiotics can give false negative results on std tests.
I wouldn't base a diagnosis solely on time frame of symptoms. They can be helpful in determining what tests need to be done, but that alone is not enough for a diagnosis. And it could also be NGU.
I'm sorry you've been through all this.
Aj
Hi,
As promised, been to a gov doc today and interestingly, he ordered a urine test for white blood cells and a culture. The urine test came back negative for both white and red blood cells, so it appears that it is clear.
However, the catch was the that there appeared to be some containment in the specimen, buy my white blood cell readings were still nil, so he's quite amused. Anyway, the urine culture won't be out till a couple of days.
He did a touch and feel and said he didn't felt any signs of any vericoele. I'm in no position argue, but I reminded him about the ultrasound done by a Urologist a couple years back.
He gave me a course of Doxy to take - I don't know why, but he just said "to be safe", and insisted on referring me to a STD specialist.
So, instead of being enlightened. It appears that I'm even more confused now. I suspect that I may have contracted gonorrheal and the kind resistant to the Ciprofloxacin IM I was given.
Which, in the end, doesn't make sense either, since Doxy seems to be better for Chlamydia than for Gonorrhea, isn't it? And, even if I had Chlamydia, the Zithromax I was given the first round would also have eliminated it by now, right?
Then again, the incubation period that my symptoms took to occur is also too short for Chlamydia anyway; my tingling penile head and urinary urge appeared within 3-4 days of the exposure, which makes more sense to be Gonorrhea, right?
What exactly is going on here?
As promised, been to a gov doc today and interestingly, he ordered a urine test for white blood cells and a culture. The urine test came back negative for both white and red blood cells, so it appears that it is clear.
However, the catch was the that there appeared to be some containment in the specimen, buy my white blood cell readings were still nil, so he's quite amused. Anyway, the urine culture won't be out till a couple of days.
He did a touch and feel and said he didn't felt any signs of any vericoele. I'm in no position argue, but I reminded him about the ultrasound done by a Urologist a couple years back.
He gave me a course of Doxy to take - I don't know why, but he just said "to be safe", and insisted on referring me to a STD specialist.
So, instead of being enlightened. It appears that I'm even more confused now. I suspect that I may have contracted gonorrheal and the kind resistant to the Ciprofloxacin IM I was given.
Which, in the end, doesn't make sense either, since Doxy seems to be better for Chlamydia than for Gonorrhea, isn't it? And, even if I had Chlamydia, the Zithromax I was given the first round would also have eliminated it by now, right?
Then again, the incubation period that my symptoms took to occur is also too short for Chlamydia anyway; my tingling penile head and urinary urge appeared within 3-4 days of the exposure, which makes more sense to be Gonorrhea, right?
What exactly is going on here?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, I think its time to see a urologist, and its probably not an std. :)
Aj
Aj
Hi,
Ok, I feel stupid. I've tested myself again for the discharge today, and apparently except for some moisture in the urethral, there seem to be no discharge of consequence.
The "discharge" I experienced was most likely caused by the residual semen that came out during the night as I masturbated hours prior to sleeping. So it's probably a false alarm, as I don't seem to get any more of those clear sticky stuff for the rest of the today.
However, my bladder have started to feel full, and there is this urge to urinate. But I drank lots of water, so it can be caused by that.
However, the real problem is about experiencing the feel of having a full bladder every time I try to bend over a little or be like in a squat position, I have this feeling that the region around my lower abdominal area is full and I have a urge to go and urinate.
So, I guess I'll just need go and see a Urologist about this then?
As you mentioned, its probably nothing to do with the STDs. Just panic attack. Yikes!
Do you agree with my deduction? I'll keep you updated as to how thing turns out, if you do...Thanks!
Ok, I feel stupid. I've tested myself again for the discharge today, and apparently except for some moisture in the urethral, there seem to be no discharge of consequence.
The "discharge" I experienced was most likely caused by the residual semen that came out during the night as I masturbated hours prior to sleeping. So it's probably a false alarm, as I don't seem to get any more of those clear sticky stuff for the rest of the today.
However, my bladder have started to feel full, and there is this urge to urinate. But I drank lots of water, so it can be caused by that.
However, the real problem is about experiencing the feel of having a full bladder every time I try to bend over a little or be like in a squat position, I have this feeling that the region around my lower abdominal area is full and I have a urge to go and urinate.
So, I guess I'll just need go and see a Urologist about this then?
As you mentioned, its probably nothing to do with the STDs. Just panic attack. Yikes!
Do you agree with my deduction? I'll keep you updated as to how thing turns out, if you do...Thanks!
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'd doubt it since you took the meds, but its probably still a possibility.
At this point, any doctor would be a good idea. ;)
Aj
At this point, any doctor would be a good idea. ;)
Aj
Hi,
There seems to be a turn of events. The testicular pain seems to have subsided a little, however, I seems to be beginning to have penile discharge again. It's not the srippy type, so I can only tell about its presence from traces of it when I pull my foreskin back.
From the little that I see, it appears to be clear and sticky. Could this be caused by any residual STDs that have not cleared from my precious course of antibiotics? I had a IM jab and 1g of Zithromax.
I think I'll get back to see my GP, since there is still a discharge and not just a simple testicular pain as I usually experience with just only Varicocele.
My past experience with Varicoceles are that it starts abruptly and it usually stops a day or two later . However, this bout seems to starts together with the discharge symptoms and lower abdominal region pains, so what are the chances that it is really caused by STDs?
There seems to be a turn of events. The testicular pain seems to have subsided a little, however, I seems to be beginning to have penile discharge again. It's not the srippy type, so I can only tell about its presence from traces of it when I pull my foreskin back.
From the little that I see, it appears to be clear and sticky. Could this be caused by any residual STDs that have not cleared from my precious course of antibiotics? I had a IM jab and 1g of Zithromax.
I think I'll get back to see my GP, since there is still a discharge and not just a simple testicular pain as I usually experience with just only Varicocele.
My past experience with Varicoceles are that it starts abruptly and it usually stops a day or two later . However, this bout seems to starts together with the discharge symptoms and lower abdominal region pains, so what are the chances that it is really caused by STDs?
COMMUNITY LEADER
I think you should see the urologist. Even if its a government hospital, only people who absolutely need to know will know your std status. Hospitals have things in place to make sure that people aren't just randomly gaining access to charts.
Aj
Aj
Hi,
Which "doctor" were you referring to?
Is the pain consistent with varicocele or is it more likely to be caused by an STD? I'm being paranoid about the STDs not being fully eradicated by the course of antibiotics.
If its more likely to be caused by the varicocele, then I'll head to see a Urologist. Which you reckon would be a better choice?
The GP's in private practice, while for the Urologist I have to go to a government hospital, and I do not want too many eyeballs knowing about my STD status.
Which "doctor" were you referring to?
Is the pain consistent with varicocele or is it more likely to be caused by an STD? I'm being paranoid about the STDs not being fully eradicated by the course of antibiotics.
If its more likely to be caused by the varicocele, then I'll head to see a Urologist. Which you reckon would be a better choice?
The GP's in private practice, while for the Urologist I have to go to a government hospital, and I do not want too many eyeballs knowing about my STD status.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I think you need to follow up with the doctor. If the varicocele is causing these aches, it might be time to have something done about it.
Aj
Aj
I failed to mention that the aches/pain around the lower abdominal region has bene persistent for the past few days. In fact, it first appeared about the same time I experienced the urge to urinate and penile discharge symptoms.
However, it persisted on till now even after the discharge and urge to urinate has subsided. The lower abdominal and testicle aches/pain occurs on an interval basis. Each episode it lasts for a while, then it stops, and then it reappears again after a while.
Is this signs of an existing STD that has not been eradicated by the antibiotics, or is something else that has not been addressed yet? Or is it likely to be just the plain old Varicocele?
However, it persisted on till now even after the discharge and urge to urinate has subsided. The lower abdominal and testicle aches/pain occurs on an interval basis. Each episode it lasts for a while, then it stops, and then it reappears again after a while.
Is this signs of an existing STD that has not been eradicated by the antibiotics, or is something else that has not been addressed yet? Or is it likely to be just the plain old Varicocele?
Hi, I'm not vaccinated for Hep A or B. But last antibody check I has residual protection against Hep B. Probably was due to a jab I had while young.
My course of antibiotics were take last Sunday, and the discharge and urge to urinate has been gone 2 days after.
However, these few days I still experience persistent aches/pain around the lower abdominal region including the testicles.
Could this be due to uncured STDs or STDs that are not the typical gonorrhea, NGU or Chlamydia? Could this be the problem? Should I go back and see my doctor about this?
Because if its just the Varicocele causing the problem, there is no point in seeing a Urologist, because I've seen one a few years back and apparently he felt nothing needs to be done about the Varicocele.
Thanks AJ for your help!
My course of antibiotics were take last Sunday, and the discharge and urge to urinate has been gone 2 days after.
However, these few days I still experience persistent aches/pain around the lower abdominal region including the testicles.
Could this be due to uncured STDs or STDs that are not the typical gonorrhea, NGU or Chlamydia? Could this be the problem? Should I go back and see my doctor about this?
Because if its just the Varicocele causing the problem, there is no point in seeing a Urologist, because I've seen one a few years back and apparently he felt nothing needs to be done about the Varicocele.
Thanks AJ for your help!
COMMUNITY LEADER
I'd test for herpes, but only because I am an advocate of everyone knowing their status.
Your a, b and c are correct though. If you are concerned, test for syphilis at 6 weeks, but without symptoms, its not a huge risk. You are also right about no HIV risk.
Rimming is probably a bit lower risk for stds than fellatio is, but we don't have any studies to back that up. If you got a parasite, the antibiotics would probably cure them. Hepatitis A and B are viruses, and don't respond to antibiotics. The chances of getting either from rimming are pretty low. Have you been vaccinated for either?
Aj
Your a, b and c are correct though. If you are concerned, test for syphilis at 6 weeks, but without symptoms, its not a huge risk. You are also right about no HIV risk.
Rimming is probably a bit lower risk for stds than fellatio is, but we don't have any studies to back that up. If you got a parasite, the antibiotics would probably cure them. Hepatitis A and B are viruses, and don't respond to antibiotics. The chances of getting either from rimming are pretty low. Have you been vaccinated for either?
Aj
Thanks for the tip.
When you said mostly due to the existing varicocele, is this based upon the assumption that my course of antibiotics would have killed the other STDs, and they should not be the cause of this testicular pain?
So basically, given my single exposure risks, my potential contractions would be:
a) NGU - treated, no possible recurrence for this exposure
b) Chlamydia - treated, no possible recurrence for this exposure
c) Gonorrhea - treated, no possible recurrence for this exposure
d) Herpes I/II - no symptoms yet
e)Syphilis - no symptoms yet
Since I may already have herpes, so testing for it is not really necessary?
But I should be tested for Syphilis even if there is no symptoms at the third month, because the risk of exposure is low but real?
There is also no chance of contracting HIV from this single exposure.
By the way, I also had unprotected *** rimming. What is the associated risks beside those that are similar to that of having unprotected fellatio?
I know of intestinal parasites and hepatitis A/B on top of those listed for unprotected fellatio. For those listed, would the course of antibiotics I took also took care of them except for Syphilis?
Thanks!
When you said mostly due to the existing varicocele, is this based upon the assumption that my course of antibiotics would have killed the other STDs, and they should not be the cause of this testicular pain?
So basically, given my single exposure risks, my potential contractions would be:
a) NGU - treated, no possible recurrence for this exposure
b) Chlamydia - treated, no possible recurrence for this exposure
c) Gonorrhea - treated, no possible recurrence for this exposure
d) Herpes I/II - no symptoms yet
e)Syphilis - no symptoms yet
Since I may already have herpes, so testing for it is not really necessary?
But I should be tested for Syphilis even if there is no symptoms at the third month, because the risk of exposure is low but real?
There is also no chance of contracting HIV from this single exposure.
By the way, I also had unprotected *** rimming. What is the associated risks beside those that are similar to that of having unprotected fellatio?
I know of intestinal parasites and hepatitis A/B on top of those listed for unprotected fellatio. For those listed, would the course of antibiotics I took also took care of them except for Syphilis?
Thanks!
COMMUNITY LEADER
You weren't actually tested? That's shameful.
You really can't have gonorrhea and NGU together. NGU means non-gonococcol urethritis, which means any urethritis caused by something other than gonorrhea.
You can get either gonorrhea or NGU from oral sex. My guess is that you had one of those, not both. The testicular pain you have is most likely from the varicocele, and you might want to follow up with a urologist about that if it continues to give you pain.
No one here has said that you can't get an std from oral sex. We do say it is less likely, and studies and statistics prove that.
Oral sex is no risk for HIV.
Aj
You really can't have gonorrhea and NGU together. NGU means non-gonococcol urethritis, which means any urethritis caused by something other than gonorrhea.
You can get either gonorrhea or NGU from oral sex. My guess is that you had one of those, not both. The testicular pain you have is most likely from the varicocele, and you might want to follow up with a urologist about that if it continues to give you pain.
No one here has said that you can't get an std from oral sex. We do say it is less likely, and studies and statistics prove that.
Oral sex is no risk for HIV.
Aj
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You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
