Sore Throat After Oral Sex | What You Should Do Next

Oral sex is extremely common across virtually all demographics and sexual preferences. And, according to research, relatively few people use a condom during oral sex. This does increase the possibility of transmitting certain STDs to the mouth or throat. In fact, both chlamydia and gonorrhea exist in oral form. If you’re experiencing a sore throat after performing oral sex, then know that you could have an STD. Here’s everything you need to know about STDs of the mouth –– and most importantly –– what you should do next!

Sore Throat After Oral Sex on a Man

The bad news is that individuals who perform fellatio have a higher risk of catching an STD from oral sex than those who perform cunnilingus. It is worth noting, though, that having a sore throat after oral sex doesn’t necessarily indicate the presence of an STD. Indeed, STDs can take days or weeks to exhibit symptoms, and even then, those symptoms may be mild or virtually nonexistent. While having a sore throat after oral sex could very well denote the presence of an STD –– you may also simply have a cold.

Oral STDs vs Other Illnesses

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a sore throat as caused by the common cold and one brought on by either chlamydia or gonorrhea. In reality, oral gonorrhea and chlamydia symptoms mimic those of a regular bout of strep throat almost completely.

Are Oral STDs Dangerous?

On the one hand, STDs existing solely within the mouth/throat don’t present nearly as many health risks as genital STDs. But that’s not to say they’re harmless. Rather, you can still give someone a genital STD through oral contact (giving or receiving), and common STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause infertility if left untreated. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to STD worst-case scenarios. If you have an oral STD but don’t receive treatment, you could inadvertently pass that STD along, and eventually, contract a genital strand of chlamydia or gonorrhea as a result.

What Should I Do Next?

Experiencing any STD symptoms following intercourse is frightening. The key is to understand how you should handle it. First, talk to your partner. It’s entirely possible that they have an STD and don’t know it. Though getting through such a conversation is difficult, it’s necessary to prevent the spread of STDs. Next you (and ideally your partner) need to get tested. Even if you don’t have any outward symptoms –– or if your symptoms are relatively minor –– it’s still important to get tested every time you have unprotected sex. And that goes double for having sex with a new partner. If you test positive for oral gonorrhea or chlamydia, you should then consult with a medical professional about your treatment options. Thankfully, both are curable with the administration of antibiotics!

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