Burning / Rash / discomfort = herpes?

[cpa222]

I had sex with a stripper while drunk (unprotected) about 6 weeks ago.  (Vaginal)  I got checked out a little over 1 week after it happened at the doctors and he told me to relax and we would test for all STD's by blood.  Everything came back negative.  But I understand it usually takes 6 weeks for hiv/hep b and c/herpes 1 and 2 to show up in blood.  The total act lasted about 5 minutes (if that)...  For the past week (beginning about 4 weeks after the event), I have what looks like a rash on my scrotum that comes and goes (no lesions or blisters).  Usually fine in the morn, but comes in the afternoon.  I bought some Clotrimazole cream and it seems to  help at night and in morn, but by afternoon it seems to come back (not really itchy, maybe a little burning).  I also have some discomfort/burning in the penis and testicles (nothing severe, actually sometimes I dont feel a thing...  almost when I concentrate I feel it).  I went horseback riding about 2 weeks ago for the first time and the saddle did a job on my groin...  maybe a little trauma that is affecting me now???  Also some throbbing/sensitivity in the head of the penis and down the shaft (maybe b\c I am constantly checking myself out and irritating myself?).  Also noticing some small bumps that a re flesh colored on my penis shaft that do not hurt, you need to strain to see them...  No burning when urinating, not really itchy either.  I seem to have some jock itch and wonder if that could be doing it?  What do you think of my situation?  What are the chances of contracting herpes/hep/hiv from this 1 single event?  Are these symptoms of herpes???  Should I get tested again?  I appreciate your help and look forward to you info!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The chance of getting infected probably was low.  Your symptoms do not suggest herpes or any other STD.  Blood tests can check for HIV, heptatitis, syphilis, and HSV, but not chlamydia or gonorrhea.  Although some of these sometimes take longer than 6 weeks to become positive, most are positive within that time, so your negative tests are reassuring.  By the way, I never suggest people get checked for herpes after a single exposure, unless the partner is known to have an active herpes outbreak at the time.  The risk of transmission after any single exposure just is too low to make it worthwhile.

I don't suggest any more testing.  But if in doubt, check with an STD-knowledgeable health care provider, such as your local health department's STD clinic.

Relax; you're fine.  Good luck- HHH, MD

[cpa222]

thanks for the info and reassurance.  I noticed last night that my tongue was white, i did some research and it looks just like oral thrush.  I have been noticing for the past 4 days to a week a different feeling when swallowing and a constant dry mouth... I have a few more questions...

1. I read that there is no correlation between oral thrush and a new HIV infection, true???  

2. I also read that it can be brought on by stress (which I am experiencing) and also antibiotics, which the doctor prescribed for chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea (cipro and zithromax).  But finished these nearly 5 weeks ago.  Would it take that long for the thrush to be apparent if it was caused by the antibiotics?  

3. Also, is thrush a symptom of HSV 1 or HSV 2?

4. Oral thrush + Jock Itch = could I have a yeast problem?

[cpa222]

Doc, I forgot to add this to my last comment/questions.  I have been on Lexapro and Lorazepam since friday, sept 30.  I noticed both of these meds can cause dry mouth, which I have seen can cause Oral thrush..  Is this correct?  Could this combination of medications plus the cipro and zithromax antibiotic treatment I finished almost 5 weeks ago be causing this?  I am freaking out, cause everything time you type in Oral Thrush, HIV comes up...

[gracefromHHP]

Relax....normal, healthy everyday people get yeast overgrowth :) It doesn't mean you have hiv! See your doctor so you can confirm that indeed you have oral thrush and you'll need prescription treatment for it. You can also show them your genital rash at the same time - perhaps you need prescription strength antifungal cream to finally clear it up.

Dry mouth from medications can be VERY annoying!  There are mouth lozenges you can buy now in the stores for dry mouth that you can suck on throughout the day to try to stimulate more saliva.  Drink plenty of water throughout the day too.  If it persists talk to your doctor about possibly changing medications.

grace

[cpa222]

I am confused?  Are you a doctor or medical professional?  Just wondering?  I was reading that oral thrush can be cured on its own?  THis true?

HHH, MD, can you answer the questions in my 2 previous posts when you have a minute?  I would appreciate it!  Thanks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

FYI, gracefromHHP indeed is a health professional who knows a lot about STDs and a frequent contributor of valuable advice on this forum.  (Grace, I spoke about you with Terri Warren yesterday; we are at a scientific meeting together.  She sends greetings.)

cpa222, do not assume "thrush" from having a white coating on your tongue; the two are not the same.  Coated tongue comes and goes in everyone from time to time, sometimes (but not always) corrrelated with colds or other minor infections.  It is unrelated to herpes, usually unrelated to HIV, and certainly unrelated to jock itch.  The mediciations you are taking indeed can cause dry mouth, but very rarely of sufficient severity to lead to yeast or any other infection.

HHH, MD

[Pers]

Hi Doctor thank you for your time.  About a week and half ago I went to a strip club.  One striper performed cunningless on the other and then frenched kissed me for about two seconds. I immediately pulled away.  There was no other contact except for lap dancing and fondling.  Three days after I developed a wierd white ulcer on the side of my toungue - a couple more followed on the inside of my cheek and toungue and one on the inside of my lip.  My doctor said it was probably herpes and prescribed Valtrex for three days and "Magic Mouthwash".  The white ulcer on the side of the toungue has subsided but now almost two weeks after incident my toungue and lips are constantly burning.

I am of course worried about STD"S AIDS.  Please help.  Thanks