[Question #12285] Risk of Gonorhea/other STI with protected oral

Avatar photo
8 months ago
HI Dr HHH,
I am really thankful for your advice on the previous question. I have a situation again that I would like your guidance in. 10 days back I saw a csw and I got protected oral from here for about 5-7 minutes. I did not check the condom so could not verify if it is a latex condom (since I heard lambakin condoms dont offer protection). Recently I have been feeling a bit of soreness in testicles mainly after ejaculation . It is as if they are drained. I do not feel it during peeing. I saw this as a symptom of gonorhea so I was scared. I did not get any discharge or painful urination. I am not sure if I should avoid sex with my wife in the mean time and what does my risk look like.  Would really appreciate your guidance. thanks
Avatar photo
Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 months ago
Welcome back to the Forum and thanks for your questions.  As you’ve been told, clients are not permitted to choose who replies to their questions.  I’ll be responding on this occasion.

The encounter you describe was virtually no risk.  Most CSWs do not have STIs and of potential exposures, receipt of oral sex is amongst the lowest risk potential exposures.  Further, a condom was used, virtually eliminating any risk of infection as long as it was worn throughout the penetrative encounter.  The condom used was almost certainly not lambskin which is more expensive than latex but even lambskin would offerfull protection against gonorrhea and chlamydia ( theoretically they offer only partial protection against HIV).  Finally, had you acquired gonorrhea, there is a 90% likelihood that you would have developed typical symptoms of an obvious penile discharge by now.  The symptoms you describe are not suggestive of gonorrhea or any other STI. 

My advice is to not worry.  I see no reason for concern, for testing, or for avoidance of unprotected sex with your regular partner.

I hope that this information is helpful.  EWH
---