Could You Be Infected? STD Risks After Oral Sex

Q: Could You Be Infected? STD Risks After Oral Sex

Hello： You can refer to the following classification of sexual behaviors based on their risk levels. <br>No-risk activities include masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals; low-risk activities include mutual masturbation, light kissing, mutual rubbing, a

Are you asking about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Three weeks ago, I performed oral sex on a female sex worker.
At the time, I felt no discomfort.
Two days later, I developed lymphadenitis and a fever.
I subsequently sought medical attention, received injections, and my fever subsided.
However, the next day, I had another fever, received more injections, and again my fever decreased.
The following night, I began to vomit and went to the emergency room.
After that, I started experiencing joint pain that alternated between my head, hands, and feet, and even one side of my face began to feel numb.
I am unsure if there is a significant risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Ren Sheng Zou Ma Deng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/15

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: You can refer to the following classification of sexual behaviors based on their risk levels.
No-risk activities include masturbation, hugging, and touching areas other than the genitals; low-risk activities include mutual masturbation, light kissing, mutual rubbing, and sexual intercourse with condoms; medium-risk activities include deep kissing, oral sex, and withdrawal before ejaculation; while high-risk activities include unprotected intercourse and intercourse that causes wounds or bleeding.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/12/15

More Info

When it comes to understanding the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) after engaging in oral sex, it is crucial to consider several factors, including the type of sexual activity, the presence of any injuries or infections in the mouth, and the health status of both partners involved.

Oral sex is generally considered to be a lower-risk activity for the transmission of STDs compared to vaginal or anal intercourse; however, it is not without risk. Certain STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes, can be transmitted through oral sex. The risk increases if there are cuts, sores, or other injuries in the mouth of the person performing oral sex, as these can serve as entry points for pathogens.

In your case, you mentioned that you engaged in oral sex with a sex worker three weeks ago and subsequently experienced symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, fever, vomiting, and joint pain. These symptoms can be indicative of several conditions, including viral infections, bacterial infections, or even an STD. The timeline of your symptoms, particularly the onset of fever and lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), suggests that your body is responding to an infection.

The fact that you experienced these symptoms shortly after the sexual encounter raises concerns about the possibility of an STD. While it is important to note that not all infections are sexually transmitted, the symptoms you described warrant further investigation. It is advisable to seek medical attention and undergo testing for STDs, as well as other potential infections. Testing can provide clarity and help rule out or confirm any infections.

In addition to STD testing, it may be beneficial to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough examination and possibly run additional tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Conditions such as viral infections (like mononucleosis or cytomegalovirus), bacterial infections, or even autoimmune conditions could present with similar symptoms.

Regarding your concern about the risk of infection during oral sex, if the female sex worker had any oral lesions, bleeding gums, or other infections, the risk of transmitting an STD would be higher. Additionally, if you had any cuts or abrasions in your mouth, this could also increase your risk.

In summary, while oral sex carries a lower risk of STD transmission compared to other forms of sexual activity, it is not without risk, especially if there are any injuries or infections present. Given your symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation and testing for STDs and other infections. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and help prevent complications. Always practice safe sex, including the use of barriers like condoms or dental dams, to reduce the risk of STD transmission in the future.

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