[Question #13111] Performing unprotected oral (SW)

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2 months ago
I (male) performed unprotected oral on a stripper. No other sexual contact occurred. Getting oral gonorrhea and chlamydia swabs 5 days post exposure. Should I test further? What are my other risks? No blood visible, I have no open sores in my mouth, and it didn’t seem infected. 3 days out I have no symptoms.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
2 months ago
Welcome to the forum. Thank you for your confidence in our services.

STDs are very rarely transmitted by cunnilingus (oral-vaginal contact); in my 50 years in the STD business, I don't think I've ever seen a patent with oral gonorrhea or chlmaydia following an exposure like yours. You really don't need testing. Of course you're free to do that if you'll sleep better after you get the negative test result. But for sure stay mellow while you wait to be tested and for the result. As for other STDs, the risks are probably just as low. It is the rare female stripper or exotic dancer who has syphilis or HIV, for example-- and the infection chance undoubtedly very low even if she does. But if you would like still more reassurance, you also can test for HIV and syphilis after a few weeks.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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2 months ago
Really appreciate the timely response. For the sake of asking, what about my exposure makes it less likely compared to others. The stripper was female if that matters. Just trying to understand why I’m seeing it as a possibility on the internet. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
2 months ago
Your exposure was no less risky than other similar events. Cunnilingus (oral-vaginal contact) always is near zero risk for any and all STDs.

Be very careful with online searching about this -- or really about any health problem that concerns you. You'll be best off sticking with professional or professionally moderated sites (public health, academic medical centers, etc); and especially avoid sites operated by and for people with the problem of concern or at risk for it (like Reddit, for example). Anyone can write anything and so much information is wrong, whether naively or intentionally. 
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2 months ago
Thank you very much for this service. For peace of mind I have scheduled some tests, although I’m confident they will all be negative. Some final questions regarding detection times.

Oral swab gonorrhea and chlamydia: 5 days post exposure

Syphilis rapid blood test: 22 days post exposure

Can I trust those results? I realize I’m letting this cause anxiety and I thank you for your continued patience. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
2 months ago
Five days is fine for gonorrhea/chlamydia testing, but 22 days is too early for syphilis; only half of new infections would show up that soon on the syphilis blood tests. Six weeks is needed. However, the chance of syphilis is zero, especially since you have not had symptoms (syphilitic sore -- i.e. a chancre -- of your lips, tongue, etc).

That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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