Oral Sex Risks: A Urology Perspective on STDs and Symptoms

Oral sex

Hello Dr.
Lee, I traveled to Thailand in June 2016 and engaged in sexual activities with an unfamiliar woman I met online.
The only act was unprotected oral sex, and I am unsure if she had any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other oral diseases.
She appeared to be a college student, but I couldn't confirm her actual gender.
I personally have no STIs, and there were no wounds on my genitalia prior to the encounter.
During the act, she only used her lips to stimulate me, and I did not feel any contact with other parts of her mouth or her teeth.
When I ejaculated, it touched her lips, and afterward, she used her hands to finish and wiped me with a tissue.
As of today, November 1, 2016, I have not experienced any significant fever, but I have had persistent rashes and symptoms similar to a sore throat or cold.
I had blood tests done in July and again in October, both of which were negative.
However, I have noticed small red spots on my skin that come and go, and I initially thought they might be related to Kaposi's sarcoma.
My genital area has not shown any unusual ulcers or growths since the encounter.
I understand that I can use a magnifying glass to examine my symptoms, and most doctors have said that I do not appear to have symptoms of an STI.

I would like to ask the doctor if the timing of my blood tests could lead to inaccurate results.
Additionally, how long does it typically take for STI symptoms to manifest?

Rookie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/01

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology

Based on your description, it seems that, like most doctors would say, it doesn't appear to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and since it has been five months, the window period should have already passed.
However, there is no definitive answer that can guarantee the results, nor can it alleviate your anxiety.
If you have concerns and have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, it is advisable to continue seeing a urologist for examination and follow-up, and to discuss further with your physician.

Reply Date: 2016/11/01

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks associated with oral sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it's essential to consider various factors, including the type of sexual activity, the health status of both partners, and the presence of any symptoms. In your case, you mentioned engaging in unprotected oral sex with a stranger, which can indeed pose a risk for STDs, even if you did not experience any immediate symptoms.

Oral sex is generally considered a moderate-risk activity for the transmission of certain STDs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes. The risk increases if there are cuts or sores in the mouth or on the genitals, as these can serve as entry points for pathogens. In your situation, since you did not have any visible sores or injuries, the risk may be lower, but it is not eliminated entirely.

Regarding your specific questions about the timing of STD symptoms and the accuracy of blood tests, it's important to note that the incubation period for STDs can vary significantly. For example, symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia may appear within a few days to a couple of weeks after exposure, while symptoms of HIV may take longer, often several weeks to months. Some STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning that individuals may not show any signs of infection even if they are infected.

You mentioned that you have undergone blood tests in July and October, both of which returned negative results. Generally, testing for STDs is most accurate after a certain window period, which varies depending on the specific infection. For instance, HIV tests are typically reliable after three months, while tests for other STDs may have different timelines. If you were tested too soon after your potential exposure, it is possible that the results could be inaccurate due to the window period.

If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms such as a persistent rash or throat inflammation, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. These symptoms could be related to various conditions, not necessarily limited to STDs. A healthcare professional can provide appropriate testing and diagnosis based on your symptoms and sexual history.

In summary, while oral sex does carry some risk for STDs, the actual risk depends on multiple factors, including the health status of both partners and the presence of any symptoms. Regular testing and open communication with sexual partners about health status are essential for reducing the risk of STDs. If you have concerns about your health or potential exposure to STDs, it is advisable to seek medical attention for further evaluation and testing.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Risks of Kissing and Oral Contact: A Urology Perspective

Yesterday, I went out for tea. Doctor, I used a condom during oral and sexual intercourse, but I had unprotected contact when I was rejected and kissed (I have a sore in my mouth). My lips touched, but my tongue did not make contact; however, my tongue was extended but blocked by...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: There was contact with bodily fluids, but a condom was used during intercourse → Generally considered low to moderate risk. No risk activities include masturbation; low risk activities include mutual masturbation, light kissing, mutual rubbing, and condom-protected sexual ...

Concerns About STD Risk After Unprotected Oral Sex and Symptoms

Engaging in unprotected oral sex can carry a risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even if there was no ejaculation. After the encounter, you took precautions by washing your genital area and using a condom for vaginal intercourse, which reduces the risk of transmission...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: It could be a common urinary tract infection, but this situation also requires medical attention. Please explain your sexual history to the doctor, who will conduct an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.

Oral Sex Concerns: Risks of STDs and What to Watch For

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred on October 1st when I performed oral sex on my boyfriend. The next day, while brushing my teeth, I noticed a small sore in my mouth (I didn't notice it during oral sex, possibly because it was too small). I w...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Since both individuals do not have any sexually transmitted infections, there is no issue of transmission. Wishing you good health.

Oral Sex Risks: Understanding Potential STDs from Mouth Sores

I'm not a doctor, but if your partner had a sore in her mouth and you had oral sex with ejaculation, there is a potential risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Symptoms like fever and dizziness could be related to an infection, but they are not definitive signs of...

Dr. Sun Hongshun reply Urology
Hello Mr. Hsu: The issue you are concerned about (sexually transmitted infections) may not manifest so quickly. However, if the other person has wounds in their mouth and performed oral sex on you, it could potentially lead to other infections (not necessarily sexually transmitte...