Another question doc.

Hi again.

    I just have another question in regards to a symptom I am having.  I had unprotected sex about 18 days ago.  It was a one-night mistake.  For the last 4-5 days, I have had some discomfort in my lower abdomen/groin.  It is not neccisarily painful, but it is uncomfortable much of the time.  I have heard that it is probably my lymph nodes fighting off an infection.  I have also heard that it indicates an infection "down there".  Is this true?  Does that mean I contracted some kind of STD?  I really don't have other symptoms other than some minor (occasional) discomfort in the penis.  No sores or discharge (yet).  This lymph node thing has me worried though.  Does the inflamed lymph nodes in the groin mean that I have likely contracted something?

    Also, I have been to other forums that say that herpes is soooooo common and easy to get that it is likely that I have it.  How likely is it that I got it from one unprotected encounter with someone in a low-mid risk catagory.  And assuming worst case scenerio (she has herpes)  what are the odds that I would have got it.  I understand that the stats are very subjective, but with many other people talking gloom and doom, I was wondering if you could give me some kind of idea of my odds.

    P.S.  I think it is great what you do here.  For those infected, or just scared.  You are the only site that doesn't preach and judge and talk about the gloom of it all.  

THANK YOU.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the kind words.  But you seem overly concerned about STD possibilities.  To avoid the anxiety you display with all your questions, use a bit of discretion in selecting partners and always condoms for casual sexual encounters.

The vague symptoms you describe probably aren't due to STD, perhaps anxiety-related.  When herpes causes lymph gland swelling, it is always preceded by obvious genital sores; that is, lymph gland swelling or discomfort alone are rarely, if ever, the only signs of herpes.  And the risk is low for a one-time contact in the setting you describe, for herpes or any other STD.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[nervous2618]

Thanks Doc.

I think the reason that I may be overly concerned is that I NEVER have had unprotected sex until 18 days ago.  Of course my imagination is running wild.  I still plan on getting all testing done.  I guess what makes it hard is that so many websites talk about the evil and misery that is STD's, that it scares the **** out of you.  Needless to say, I will never put myself in this situation again.  Hopefully this abdominal/groin issue will clear up and isn't caused by an STD.