[Question #13810] Oral risks

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10 days ago
Thank you for the service you provide. I am hoping you will be able to help me with my fears. 

16 days ago I (female) gave oral sex to a heterosexual male. Before engaging I asked if there was any reason to be concerned for STIs. After, I completely panicked- i am now very concerned about the possibility of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or herpes in my mouth. I did an oral swab - but now im spiralling over herpes 2. 
Male states no symptoms and no history of symptoms- cdc also recommends not testing in low risk groups. Can you tell me your thoughts on risk? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
10 days ago
Thanks for your question.  The good news is that oral HSV 2 is very rare.  HSV 2 has what we call a site preference for the genital area, meaning that's where it likes to be and it doesn't like to be in the oral area.  I have seen oral HSV 2, yes, but when there, it rarely recurs or is given off from the body (called shedding).  And it's good that this happened 16 days ago because if you had acquired HSV 2 orally, it is likely that you would have had symptoms by now, looking like a cold sore.  Has anything like that happened to you?  You don't mention it in your post so I'm guessing not.  I seriously doubt that you have acquired oral HSV 2 and think you can take that off your worry list.  I'm going to leave questions about the other STI's to my friends Dr. Hook or Dr. Handsfield.
Terri Warren
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10 days ago
Hi Terri- 
Thank you for your answer. I have not had any symptoms- just anxiety. So you think im good to stop worrying? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
10 days ago
I do!
Terri
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9 days ago
How often do you see oral hsv2 on its own? 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
9 days ago
I don't recall ever seeing oral HSV 2 without a concomitant genital infection.
Terri
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