Recurring Tonsillitis After Oral Sex: Is It a Common Infection or STD?

Q: Recurring Tonsillitis After Oral Sex: Is It a Common Infection or STD?

Hello： 1. <br>Is it more likely that this is a common case of tonsillitis, or is there a possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that requires testing? The likelihood of an STI seems low, primarily depending on whether the sexual partner has an STI. <br>2. <br>If it

Recurrent tonsillitis after oral sex?

Hello Doctor: I previously had unprotected oral sex (for a short duration, about 2 minutes), and two days later, I experienced pain on the left side of my throat, along with a growth in a deep area of my mouth.
The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with tonsillitis.
After finishing the medication, the pain subsided, but a week later, I developed a growth on the right side of my mouth, accompanied by throat pain and pain when swallowing saliva.
The following day, I saw another ENT specialist who also diagnosed me with tonsillitis, and the doctor mentioned that my left side had not fully healed.

1.
Is it more likely that this is a common case of tonsillitis, or is there a possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that would require testing?
2.
If it were syphilis or gonorrhea, would symptoms appear this quickly? A month prior to this encounter, I had unprotected oral sex with another partner; could that partner be the source of the issue?

Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/07/30

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1.
Is it more likely that this is a common case of tonsillitis, or is there a possibility of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that requires testing? The likelihood of an STI seems low, primarily depending on whether the sexual partner has an STI.
2.
If it were syphilis or gonorrhea, would symptoms appear this quickly? A month ago, I had unprotected oral sex with another partner before having unprotected oral sex with the current partner; could the issue stem from the other partner? -- It is difficult to say.
Whether the current infection is an STI still needs to be tested.
Wishing you good health.
If this occurs repeatedly, please seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2023/07/30

More Info

It's understandable to be concerned about potential infections following oral sex, especially when symptoms like tonsillitis arise. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding the recurring tonsillitis and its possible connection to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

1. Is this a common case of tonsillitis or could it be an STI?
Tonsillitis can be caused by various factors, including viral infections (like the common cold or flu) and bacterial infections (such as streptococcus). The symptoms you're experiencing—sore throat, pain when swallowing, and the appearance of lesions—are common in both viral and bacterial tonsillitis. However, oral sex can introduce pathogens into the throat, which may lead to infections that are not typical for the area. While it's possible for STIs like gonorrhea or syphilis to cause throat infections, they often present with additional symptoms or may not be immediately apparent.

2. Could symptoms from syphilis or gonorrhea appear this quickly?
The incubation period for gonorrhea can be as short as 1 to 14 days, while syphilis can take longer to show symptoms, often several weeks to months. If you had unprotected oral sex with a partner who may have had an STI, there is a possibility that you could have contracted an infection. However, it is also important to note that not all throat infections following oral sex are due to STIs. Many cases of tonsillitis are simply due to common viral or bacterial infections unrelated to sexual activity.

3. Could the previous partner have transmitted an infection?
If you engaged in unprotected oral sex with another partner prior to the recent incident, it is indeed possible that they could have transmitted an infection, especially if they were asymptomatic. STIs can be asymptomatic in many individuals, meaning they may not show any signs of infection but can still transmit the disease to others.

Given your symptoms and the timeline, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation. Here are some recommendations:
- Testing for STIs: Since you have had unprotected oral sex with multiple partners, it would be wise to get tested for STIs, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV. Many clinics offer throat swabs specifically for these infections, which can provide more accurate results than blood tests alone.

- Consultation with a Specialist: Since you have seen an ENT specialist already, consider following up with them or another healthcare provider who specializes in infectious diseases. They can provide a thorough examination and may recommend further testing based on your symptoms.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If you experience worsening pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek medical attention promptly.

- Practice Safe Sex: Moving forward, consider using protection during oral sex to reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting STIs. This includes using condoms or dental dams, which can significantly lower the risk of infection.

In conclusion, while your symptoms could be due to a common case of tonsillitis, the possibility of an STI cannot be ruled out, especially given your sexual history. Testing and consultation with a healthcare provider are essential steps to ensure your health and peace of mind.

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