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Worried about STD's from oral sex
I am a married male and gave unprotected oral sex to completion to another man 9 days ago. I have never done anything like this before and now I'm paranoid that I will have caught some kind of STD. I've not had any real symptoms. My chin feels a little itchy or tingly and my lips are little dry, but no sores have appeared on my lips, in my mought or on my penis. I feel fine, but I'm worried sick and have not touched my wife since this incident as I'm scared I might pass something along. At some point, my wife is going to wonder why our sex life has come to a dead halt. Should I go get an HIV and full STD test ? If so, what do I ask for ? I believe I have to wait at least 3 months for the HIV test, but what about STD tests ? Please give me some advice.
The risk is low for any particular episode of oral sex. Use the search button to look for numerous comments, searching for 'STD transmission risk', 'oral sex', and 'fellatio'. But if you want further reassurance, see a health care provider for testing for such things as gonorrhea of the throat, and a blood test (in a few weeks) for syphilis. Aside from those, if you don't develop symptoms (sore throat, sores in or around the mouth), you're pretty much home free. HIV is too low risk to warrant testing, but if you remain nervous and do that, testing at 6-8 weeks is fine; you don't need to wait 3 months. (Search for 'time to positive HIV test').
I don't have any solution to your dilemma about sex with your wife, except to say again that the risk was low and it is unlikely you have anything you can transmit to her. But I cannot give you 100% assurance. Of course any STD risk comes from your mouth (kissing, cunnilingus); you can't get a genital STD by giving oral sex.
Good luck--- HHH, MD
I don't have any solution to your dilemma about sex with your wife, except to say again that the risk was low and it is unlikely you have anything you can transmit to her. But I cannot give you 100% assurance. Of course any STD risk comes from your mouth (kissing, cunnilingus); you can't get a genital STD by giving oral sex.
Good luck--- HHH, MD
Thanks for your reply. You say, "if you don't develop symptoms, you're prety much home free" - how long do I have to wait until I can consider myself home free ? How long does it take for symptoms of gonorrhea to develop ? I do have a bit of an upset stomach, but I'm sure that's from the nerves right now. Thanks again for your help.
What about chlamydia seeing as it usually doenst have symptoms? is it still low risk?? what if the guy doestn ***?
Bob, re-read my reply more carefully: the symptoms part doesn't apply to gonorrhea, which almost always is asymptomatic in the throat. The only way to know about gonorrhea is lab testing. As to other things, herpes usually causes symptoms within 7-10 days and syphilis takes up to 3-4 weeks. Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) typically shows up with urethral discharge within 2 weeks. Upset stomach is not an STD symptom but, as you imply, it's a prominent symptom of anxiety.
Nik, chlamydia is uncommon in the throat and the available research suggests it is not a risk from receiving oral sex. There is confusing and conflicting information on the web about chlamydia and oral sex, but the data suggest it really isn't a significant issue.
HHH, MD
Nik, chlamydia is uncommon in the throat and the available research suggests it is not a risk from receiving oral sex. There is confusing and conflicting information on the web about chlamydia and oral sex, but the data suggest it really isn't a significant issue.
HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
