Oral sex can be a pleasurable sexual experience, but it can also cause sore throats. It’s important to know the risks and protect yourself with safe sex practices and protection methods.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) that can be passed through oral sex include gonorrhea and chlamydia. They can lead to sore throats, skin symptoms, and other complications.
Causes
Many STIs and STDs can cause a sore throat after oral sex, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and more. These infections are carried in the vaginal fluids and cum (semen) that can get into the mouth during oral sex. These bacteria can then infect the throat, genitals, rectum, or penis, among other things. The gonorrhea bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae can specifically infect the pharynx and can lead to a sore throat that feels like strep throat.
The chlamydia bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis can also cause a sore throat. This infection can be transmitted through the mouth as well and is more common in women than men. Like gonorrhea, chlamydia can affect the throat and genitals. Symptoms of chlamydia in the throat can include a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and a white or yellow discharge from the tonsils.
Herpes and herpes simplex virus can also cause a sore throat. Herpes is especially likely to cause a sore throat after oral genital intercourse, as herpes viruses are spread through the saliva. Herpes can be transmitted through a variety of sexual activities and contact with other people, so it’s important to use condoms during all forms of sex, including oral sex. You should also practice good hygiene and regularly perform a self-check with an at-home STI kit to help prevent getting or spreading infections and illnesses.
Symptoms
Throat pain after oral sex can be caused by many conditions. It can be due to an STI or STD, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, or it could be caused by a virus such as herpes or HIV. It can also be caused by other factors, such as a throat infection or acid reflux.
People who engage in unprotected oral sex are at a higher risk of getting STIs or STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, herpes B, HPV, and HIV. Symptoms of these diseases vary, but can include a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Many STIs and STDs are asymptomatic, so it is important to get tested regularly.
Other viruses that can cause a sore throat after oral sex are the common cold and flu. These infections can be very painful, but do not usually require antibiotics to treat them. Practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently, and getting plenty of rest can help prevent these viral infections.
If you have a sore throat after oral sex, it is important to see a doctor. They will be able to diagnose the underlying cause and prescribe the proper treatment. Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help reduce throat pain, as can throat sprays and throat lozenges. Drinking fluids such as broth, water, and tea can help soothe a sore throat. It is also important to avoid smoking, as it can irritate the throat.
Treatment
There are a number of ways to treat a sore throat after oral sex. Viral infections usually go away on their own, but antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections. Taking acetaminophen can help relieve pain. If the throat pain is severe, a doctor may prescribe stronger medication.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause sore throats. If you have a sore throat after oral sex, you should get tested for an STI or STD. You can find an STI test at most clinics and many pharmacies. There are also at-home STI kits that you can use.
Another potential cause of a sore throat after oral sex is pharyngeal gonorrhea, which is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can cause inflammation of the pharynx. This infection can be painful and itchy.
If you have a sore throat after doing oral sex, you should use a condom or other barrier method to reduce the risk of transmission. You should also practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of a throat infection. Also, you should wash your hands frequently and avoid kissing, hugging, sharing food or drinks, and sneezing. If you engage in oral sex regularly, you should get tested for an STI at least once a year.
Prevention
Infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases can cause a sore throat after oral sex. These diseases can include gonorrhea and chlamydia. These infections can also lead to complications such as infertility and cervical cancer. Practicing safe sex and using barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams can help prevent infection after oral sex. Additionally, regular sexual health testing can also help reduce the risk of infection after oral sex.
In some cases, a sore throat after oral sex may be caused by a viral infection such as the common cold or flu. These infections can be treated with antiviral medications. However, if a sore throat is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes in the neck or difficulty swallowing, then it is important to seek medical attention.
The throat, or pharynx, is located in the mouth and connects to the nose, larynx, ears, and esophagus. A sore throat is characterized by pain, swelling, and redness in the throat area. The symptoms of a sore throat can range from mild to severe and can be exacerbated by certain activities, such as smoking or overuse of alcohol.
Although STDs that exist solely in the throat/mouth don’t present as many health risks as those affecting the genitals, they can still be life-threatening if left untreated. If you experience symptoms of a sore throat after oral sex, make sure to see your medical provider as soon as possible. A medical professional will ask about your symptoms and sexual history, swab the throat, and test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
