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Risk of contracting STD from performing cunnilingus, kissing

Hi Dr.
Here's my story. A week ago I went to two different CSWs. In both cases I received protected oral and vaginal. I also performed unprotected cunnilingus and deep french kissing. A couple of days later I got a sore throat. I notice my tonsils were swollen and there were some white spots and some white discharge. Since the emergence of the sore throat (3-4 days ago) the soreness has gotten much better, but the white spots and discharge are still there. My questions:

1) Is it possible I contracted oral gonorrea, syphillis chlamydia, etc from the kissing or cunnilingus?
2) If the sore throat and white spots/discharge clear up on their own, is that a good sign it was not any of these STDs (in other words, would these infections be persistently symptomatic until treated, or can they come and go and come and go)?

Also, I have a significant other.

3) If infected, is it possible for me to transmit to her via kissing?
4) " " " " " " " " " " " " via cunnilingus? (I heard no for this one, b/c the bacteria needs to get up to the cervix, which wouldn't happen for cunnilinugs).

Thanks for your advice
5 Responses
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
A urine sample?  Obviously it is not possible to be infected in the urinary tract by oral exposure to a partner's genital area.  But perhaps the clinic's intent was to screen you for preexisting infection.  Both the urine and throat tests will be 100% reliable when the negative results return.

That's all for this forum.  You don't need to post your negative test results and I will have no futther comments.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry about the previous post. Went to the clinic today and gave a urine and throat swab sample for STDs (HIV excluded, since I had one of those tests a couple of years back and had no risk since). Just wanted to double check, since this experience was 1 week ago, should I still go back and get tested again for STDs that might take longer to show up? If so, how long should I wait to catch all?

Also, re: your previous response, I do have oral herpes, so not worried about contracting that. Also, I am very cognizant of when an outbreak might occur (I stop contact with my gf even for what turns out to be chapped lips), so I don't believe I transmitted that to the CSW.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Avoiding a clinic because it draws blood for diagnosis is stupid.  But you don't need a blood test to check for gonorrhea of the throat.  As I said above, "I'll be happy to comment further if and when you want to return with a follow-up about the outcome of your doctor or clinic visit."  Until then don't post anything else on this forum.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dr. H.

Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately I have not been able to find an affordable clinic that does not draw blood for these test, and I am deathly afraid of needles. I understand your primary recommendation is that I receive testing. That said, can you please comment on the following statements:

1) There is next to zero chance of transmitting oral gonorrhea to my partner via kissing or cunnulingus (me to her)
2) If I had contracted gonorrhea orally, along with another illness, like strep, which may have caused the white spots on tonsils, most common antibiotics (like amoxicillin) prescribed for the throat would likely also take care of the gonorrhea
3) Had I contracted gonorrhea orally, it will likely run its course in approx 12 weeks on its own (understand it may persist more in rare cases, but so long as symptoms, like sore throat, clear up, I can expect this potential infection to resolve itself...?)

Thank you
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum.  Bottom line:  See a health care provider for in-person professional advice.  Most likely this is no STD, but testing makes sense -- and you might need an antibiotic for strep throat.

The best bet by far is a garden variety respiratory infection like viral pharyngitis or strep throat.  You could have caught it from one of your CSW partners by kissing, or from any family member, friend or coworker you have been around recently.  No STDs are transmitted by kissing.  Performing cunnilingus is very low risk for any and all STDs.  Among those uncommon possibilities, gonorrhea is the greatest likelihood -- but gonorrhea of the throat usually causes no symptoms.  Another even smaller possibility is oral herpes, if one of your partners has genital herpes -- but the first episode of oral herpes usually causes lots of painful sores in the mouth, in addition to sore throat.  Still, gonorrhea and herpes should be checked out professionally, along with strep etc.

In the slight chance this were herpes, you could transmit it to your significant other by kissing or cunnilingus.  There is no risk either way for gonorrhea transmission.

I'll be happy to comment further if and when you want to return with a follow-up about the outcome of your doctor or clinic visit.  In the meantime, don't be overly worried.  It's unlikely to be any STD.

Regards--  HHH, MD
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