Should I Consider Testing?
Recently, I, a 27-year-old woman, shared a close moment with someone I've been dating for a while. We kissed, I performed oral sex on him, and he reciprocated briefly, along with some genital contact, but there was no intercourse. The following day, I experienced some neck soreness, likely attributed to how I was positioned during oral sex, which soon subsided. However, since that day, I've been dealing with a dull and ongoing headache, accompanied by chills and goosebumps. My temperature has remained in the range of 98 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, and I haven't noticed any lesions, throat pain, or unusual discharge. This was my first intimate encounter in years, and my period may also be approaching. I'm starting to wonder if my symptoms are simply due to hormonal changes or stress. Nevertheless, the timing of these issues following the encounter makes me feel uneasy. Should I be concerned enough to seek testing? Or could it be more related to anxiety or hormonal fluctuations?
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 12:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms after your recent intimate encounter. Given your description, it’s important to consider both physical and emotional factors at play.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may stem from anxiety or hormonal changes, especially considering it's been a while since your last intimate encounter.
- However, it's wise to stay aware of potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs), even with the activities you described.
- Monitoring your symptoms closely will help you determine if further action is needed.
Explanation: Neck soreness, headaches, chills, and goosebumps can indeed indicate anxiety or stress, especially after a new relationship milestone. Additionally, as you mentioned, hormonal changes can also affect how you feel physically, particularly if your menstrual cycle is about to begin. However, given that your intimate activities did involve close physical contact, being vigilant about possible infections is prudent, though symptoms of STIs often include more specific signs like discharge or sores.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your headache, chills, and any new symptoms that may develop over the next week. If symptoms persist or worsen, this may indicate a need for further evaluation.
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Manage Anxiety: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light exercise to help reduce potential anxiety related to your symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest, as both are essential for your body’s recovery.
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Consider Testing: If you're still worried about the possibility of STIs after monitoring your symptoms, consider getting tested after about 1 to 2 weeks from the encounter. This is generally when tests can reliably detect infections.
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Reflect on Any Changes: Pay attention to your emotional and physical state, including any menstrual symptoms, and how you feel over the coming days.
If you have further questions or need guidance on testing facilities, let me know. Remember, you're taking positive steps to care for your health.
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