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oral transmission of stds and appropriate testing
I had unprotected oral sex on a man one time three days ago. He did not ejaculate in my mouth (would ejaculation significantly increase risk of transmission?), and I have no symptoms, but I am worried about possible transmission of any stds and have read conflicting information. Should I be tested for any diseases? If so which ones? Also, for gonorrhea and chlamydia, if you recommend testing, will a urinary test be appropriate or would I need a throat culture? Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Good point. This is a little controversial. My view is exactly as you suggest: since most throat gonorrhea is asymptomatic, causes few complications, goes away within a couple of months, and is not easily transmissible, why treat? But other experts disagree, pointing out that although transmission and complications are uncommon, they do occur from time to time.
If I were in your situation, I probably wouldn't get tested. But I can't guarantee that's the best approach.
If I were in your situation, I probably wouldn't get tested. But I can't guarantee that's the best approach.
I'm sorry- I had just one other question. I've read your postings before in which you've stated that most cases of pharyngeal gonorrhea go away on their own. Since this is the case, and my risk of infection was apparently extremely low, is there any good reason, such as sequelae, to be tested and/or treated if I have no symptoms?
Thank you.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum.
In general, oral sex is safe sex. Not completely risk free, but the chance of any STD is much lower than for unprotected vaginal or anal sex. It is logical to suppose the transmission risk is higher with ejaculation in the mouth than without it, but probably not much difference. There are no data on this.
The only STDs of theoretical concern in this situation are gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, and HIV. Chlamydia rarely infects the throat, and there are no easily available, reliable tests for oral chlamydia. A throat swab for gonorrhea can be easily done, however. (Genital/urine testing isn't necessary; such infections don't travel through the body.) With no symptoms of oral sores/blisters, there are no worries about herpes. The chances of syphilis and HIV are extremely low, but if you're worried, blood tests could be done around 6 weeks after the event. Your local health department STD clinic would be an excellent option for professional, confidential evaluation at little or no cost.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
In general, oral sex is safe sex. Not completely risk free, but the chance of any STD is much lower than for unprotected vaginal or anal sex. It is logical to suppose the transmission risk is higher with ejaculation in the mouth than without it, but probably not much difference. There are no data on this.
The only STDs of theoretical concern in this situation are gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, and HIV. Chlamydia rarely infects the throat, and there are no easily available, reliable tests for oral chlamydia. A throat swab for gonorrhea can be easily done, however. (Genital/urine testing isn't necessary; such infections don't travel through the body.) With no symptoms of oral sores/blisters, there are no worries about herpes. The chances of syphilis and HIV are extremely low, but if you're worried, blood tests could be done around 6 weeks after the event. Your local health department STD clinic would be an excellent option for professional, confidential evaluation at little or no cost.
Good luck-- 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.
