Swollen lymph nodes worry

[stresscase101]

Ive had swollen lymph nodes in my neck (cervical) for over a month now. Maybe longer but I noticed them after I had a sexual encounter that left me worried (unprotected oral). I tried to ignore them hoping they go away but I have 1 that is visible on my left side when I turn my neck that isn't getting any smaller, if anything maybe a little bigger or harder. Ive been to my family doctor and she found another on my right side that isn't as obvious but still there. She told me to come back in a month. Ive been worried sick for a month already...I also think I might feel some in my groin area but I never checked to feel them until now so those might be normal...or not...

I know swollen lymph nodes indicate infection and can appear for a number of reasons but I have NO other symptoms that could indicate the cause (maybe bug bites but what are the odds?). Since Ive had a couple of partners in the last year (mostly protected sex but unprotected oral) my main concern is STD'S and HIV. Is it common to have only swollen lymph nodes as a symptom?

My doctor didn't think it would be HIV for lack of other symptoms but I'm still worried it could be this or herpes which I know could be a cause and had a scare last year because I sometimes get a tingle and redness near my upper lip that lasts a couple minutes then goes away. Tried to get that checked out by my doctor and a STD clinic but both told me they can only diagnose from a lesion/sore. (I live in Canada)
This is very frustrating because I know you can carry the disease and not show any symptoms. I have been very worried because I am starting an intimate relationship and don't want to infect my partner or mess things up because I have so much anxiety about this.

Is this cause for concern or am I over-reacting?
In the case of swollen lymph nodes not accompanied but other symptoms what is the most common cause?

[stresscase101]

Update: I Just got back from my appointment and my doctor thinks its benign. I asked if there's any antibiotics I could take to at least take the swelling down but she said no it's normal. I'm just a little skeptical because I forgot to mention it can be felt much more when I turn my neck sideways so she might have missed it...but I would like to think she is right and hopefully its nothing to worry about.

[stresscase101]

Thanks for the feedback, I cant help but think the worst but I know it could be numerous other things which also drives me crazy, If only the cause could be easily diagnosed and treated...or at least have something that could take the swelling down so I could stop worrying. But at last, my next doctor appointment is a week from now, so hopefully this worrisome observation period is over and I can get some kind of diagnosis/treatment. Really hope this thing doesn't drag on any further...

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Only neck lymph nodes are unlikely to be due to HIV or any other STD. Neck lymph nodes can be the result of tonsillitis, pharyngitis (infection of upper throat), infection in mouth, caries in tooth, internal ear infection, outer ear infection, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, breast cancer, fungal infection, other cancers like lymphoma etc. If you had flu like symptoms initially then it could be due to infectious mononucleosis too.  
The enumerated the possibilities can be investigated or ruled out one by one by your physician, ENT specialist and dentist. Take care!

[stresscase101]

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