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Unprotected Oral - Herpes Symptoms
Hi Doctor,
I am a 22-year old male, who received unprotected oral sex from a prostitute 48 days ago. There were no other acts performed. Since then I have tested negative for HIV, Syphillis, Hep A and Hep B at the 4 week mark. 5 weeks from the encounter however, I had urethral burning and frequent urination with bubbles and some residue in the urine. I went to the STD clinic and was tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, I will be receiving these results on Monday. I have been treated with Doxycycline for a week for those symptoms. I noticed some clear discharge from my penis twice during this period but I am not entirely sure whether this was infact due to infection or some normal prostate fluid. My symptoms have improved since the treatment but I am not entirely sure if this was due to the anti-biotics.
The most concerning symptom I have had however, has been ongoing since roughly 2 weeks from the exposure. I have twitching and electric zaps in my legs (espescially calf muscles) with a concentration in my left leg. I experience this twitching even in my arms, neck and torso sometimes. Also some twitching and zapping in my scrotum and anus. I sometimes have cold sensations down my legs as well and pins and needles. I have developed knee pain from these sensations as well. It is often quite distracting and is affecting me at work. I dont know if this is stress-related or related to a potential herpes infection.
In addition, I have noticed that when I ejaculate my semen is slightly yellow and globby or jello-like. I have noted that there is some discomfort on the tip of the penis during ejaculation.
From my research on the internet it seems that these symptoms might be herpes related even though I have had no visible outbreaks.
I am a 22-year old male, who received unprotected oral sex from a prostitute 48 days ago. There were no other acts performed. Since then I have tested negative for HIV, Syphillis, Hep A and Hep B at the 4 week mark. 5 weeks from the encounter however, I had urethral burning and frequent urination with bubbles and some residue in the urine. I went to the STD clinic and was tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea, I will be receiving these results on Monday. I have been treated with Doxycycline for a week for those symptoms. I noticed some clear discharge from my penis twice during this period but I am not entirely sure whether this was infact due to infection or some normal prostate fluid. My symptoms have improved since the treatment but I am not entirely sure if this was due to the anti-biotics.
The most concerning symptom I have had however, has been ongoing since roughly 2 weeks from the exposure. I have twitching and electric zaps in my legs (espescially calf muscles) with a concentration in my left leg. I experience this twitching even in my arms, neck and torso sometimes. Also some twitching and zapping in my scrotum and anus. I sometimes have cold sensations down my legs as well and pins and needles. I have developed knee pain from these sensations as well. It is often quite distracting and is affecting me at work. I dont know if this is stress-related or related to a potential herpes infection.
In addition, I have noticed that when I ejaculate my semen is slightly yellow and globby or jello-like. I have noted that there is some discomfort on the tip of the penis during ejaculation.
From my research on the internet it seems that these symptoms might be herpes related even though I have had no visible outbreaks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. Yes, it could pick up HSV in the urethra if the virus was near the end of the urethra where it was "reachable"
2. yes, it could
3. No, I would say they are not, but they are also not normal. I think a urology consult would be appropriate for you, given these unusual symptoms.
Terri
2. yes, it could
3. No, I would say they are not, but they are also not normal. I think a urology consult would be appropriate for you, given these unusual symptoms.
Terri
Thanks for the reply Terri.
I just had a couple of follow up questions:
1. Would a urethral swab catch HSV1 or HSV2 in the urethra?
2. Could herpetic urethritis manifest without any visible symptoms such as at the tip of the penis?
3. I have noticed that my ejaculate has changed colours to a yellowing tinge and has jello-like chunks. In addition there is extreme dryness on the tip of the penis after ejaculating and a burning sensation that lasts for several hours after. Are these indicative of herpes?
I really appreciate your answers.
I just had a couple of follow up questions:
1. Would a urethral swab catch HSV1 or HSV2 in the urethra?
2. Could herpetic urethritis manifest without any visible symptoms such as at the tip of the penis?
3. I have noticed that my ejaculate has changed colours to a yellowing tinge and has jello-like chunks. In addition there is extreme dryness on the tip of the penis after ejaculating and a burning sensation that lasts for several hours after. Are these indicative of herpes?
I really appreciate your answers.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I've posted my response to your post twice now, not sure where it is going!
1. They could be, but I think that is far less likely than likely.
2. Both men and women can get outbreaks of herpes in the urethra (herpetic urethritis) but I'm not clear that you symptoms make that likely, no. All the twitching just doesn't sound herpetic to me.
3. It is possible to contract HSV 1 through receiving oral sex, far less likely for HSV 2. Have you ever had a cold sore on your lip or nose? If yes, then it would be really unlikely that you would contract HSV 1 genitally as well, since you already have an immune response in place to that virus.
4. You can get tested at 16 weeks past exposure, and you need an IgG type specific antibody test, no IgM tests should be done.
Terri
1. They could be, but I think that is far less likely than likely.
2. Both men and women can get outbreaks of herpes in the urethra (herpetic urethritis) but I'm not clear that you symptoms make that likely, no. All the twitching just doesn't sound herpetic to me.
3. It is possible to contract HSV 1 through receiving oral sex, far less likely for HSV 2. Have you ever had a cold sore on your lip or nose? If yes, then it would be really unlikely that you would contract HSV 1 genitally as well, since you already have an immune response in place to that virus.
4. You can get tested at 16 weeks past exposure, and you need an IgG type specific antibody test, no IgM tests should be done.
Terri
Sorry. These are my questions:
1. Are the neuropathy type symptoms possibly herpes-related despite no visible outbreaks?
2. Could herpes breakouts be confined specifically to the urethra? Are my symptoms indicative of this?
3. What are the chances of contracting herpes through oral sex? HSV1 or HSV2 more likely?
4. When and how should I get tested for herpes?
1. Are the neuropathy type symptoms possibly herpes-related despite no visible outbreaks?
2. Could herpes breakouts be confined specifically to the urethra? Are my symptoms indicative of this?
3. What are the chances of contracting herpes through oral sex? HSV1 or HSV2 more likely?
4. When and how should I get tested for herpes?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes 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.
