Lymph Node Sensations and STD Risks After Sexual Encounter

Q: Lymph Node Sensations and STD Risks After Sexual Encounter

Hello： If there is lymphadenopathy, it is generally indicative of an infection; however, it is difficult to determine if it is a sexually transmitted infection. <br>It is advisable to have a medical examination at the hospital before your vacation for safety. <br>Additionally, HI

Abnormal sensations in lymph nodes and infectious diseases?

Hello, Doctor Du.
Due to my inability to find a girlfriend, on February 3rd, I acted on impulse and engaged in sexual activity, which was essentially just the woman performing manual stimulation.
This woman, who had a raspy voice (I'm unsure if she had any oral lesions), seemed to have spat on my glans before the manual stimulation.
Afterward, my glans became red and swollen due to excessive friction.
The redness and swelling have subsided in the past few days.
However, since February 3rd, I have been feeling concerned about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and I started to notice that my lymph nodes felt unusual.
Initially, I experienced mild swelling in the groin lymph nodes, followed by swelling in the submandibular lymph nodes, and then in the lymph nodes beneath my shoulder blades.
I would like to consult with you, Doctor, to understand whether my concerns are unfounded or if they indicate a risk of infection with a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV.
Thank you for your response, and I apologize for taking your time with such questions.

Nan Tongxue, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/11

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If there is lymphadenopathy, it is generally indicative of an infection; however, it is difficult to determine if it is a sexually transmitted infection.
It is advisable to have a medical examination at the hospital before your vacation for safety.
Additionally, HIV can be transmitted through any unsafe sexual behavior, provided that the partner is HIV-positive.
Testing for HIV typically takes a few weeks for accurate results.
You can refer to this link for more information: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx?treeid=BEAC9C103DF952C4&nowtreeid=3A380FAF26D530D6&tid=F9393FF1D6981B85.

Reply Date: 2018/02/11

More Info

It's understandable to feel anxious after a sexual encounter, especially when it involves potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Based on your description, let's break down the risks and symptoms you're experiencing.

Risk Assessment
1. Nature of the Encounter: You mentioned that the encounter involved manual stimulation (handjob) and that the woman may have had saliva on your glans. While the risk of HIV transmission through saliva is extremely low, other STIs can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids. If the woman had any cuts or sores in her mouth, this could theoretically increase the risk, but the likelihood remains low for HIV.

2. Symptoms of Redness and Swelling: The redness and swelling of the glans after the encounter could be due to friction or irritation rather than an infection. It's common for the skin to react to vigorous stimulation, especially if there was no lubrication involved. If the symptoms have resolved, this is a positive sign.

3. Lymph Node Sensations: The sensation of lymph nodes feeling "off" or slightly swollen can be a common response to anxiety or stress, especially after a perceived risky encounter. Lymph nodes can swell in response to various stimuli, including infections, inflammation, or even anxiety. The groin, jaw, and neck areas are common sites for lymph nodes to react.

Understanding Lymph Node Sensations
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and can swell in response to infections, including STIs. However, the swelling is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or persistent fatigue. In your case, if you are not experiencing these additional symptoms, it may be more related to anxiety than an actual infection.

Recommendations
1. Testing: Given your concerns, it would be prudent to get tested for STIs, including HIV. Most STIs can be tested for a few weeks after exposure, but some tests (like HIV) may require a longer window period for accurate results. A blood test for HIV antibodies is typically recommended at 3 months post-exposure for conclusive results.

2. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new symptoms that may develop. If you notice persistent swelling of lymph nodes, fever, or any unusual discharge, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider.

3. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your anxiety about potential STIs continues to affect your daily life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can provide reassurance, conduct necessary tests, and help you understand your risk based on your specific situation.

4. Practice Safe Sex: Moving forward, consider using protection during sexual encounters to reduce the risk of STIs. This includes using condoms for penetrative sex and being aware of the risks associated with oral sex.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may be concerning, they could also be attributed to anxiety or irritation rather than an STI. However, getting tested will provide peace of mind and ensure your health is monitored. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to sexual health.

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