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Concern About Possible Oral Infection

7/12/2025, 10:40:20 AMMale25-34

Greetings, I am a 31-year-old man currently in Bangkok. Yesterday, I engaged in some intimate activities with a sex worker, and now I find myself with a painful throat. I’m noticing some white spots and I’m wondering if this is indicative of an oral sexually transmitted infection. Should I be worried about this? Any insights would be greatly valued. Thank you!

Crohn's DiseaseInternal MedicineEndocrinology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/12/2025, 10:40:32 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing discomfort in your throat with some concerning symptoms following intimate activities. This could potentially indicate an oral infection, which might be related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea or herpes, or it could be a viral infection such as strep throat. It's important to take these symptoms seriously, but there are steps you can take to manage your situation.

Explanation: The presence of painful white spots in your throat alongside discomfort is a sign that your throat may be inflamed or infected. While it's possible that these symptoms could relate to an oral STI, they could also arise from other causes, such as viral infections or even strep throat, which is not sexually transmitted but can cause similar symptoms.

Next Steps:

  1. Hydration and Rest: Start by drinking plenty of fluids to keep your throat hydrated and alleviate discomfort. Resting your body is equally essential for recovery.

  2. Salt Water Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe throat pain and reduce inflammation. Try doing this several times a day.

  3. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage pain and reduce any fever you might have.

  4. Observe Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms you may experience, such as fever, difficulty swallowing, or the spread of the white spots.

  5. Seek Further Evaluation: If your symptoms persist beyond a couple of days, worsen, or if you develop severe symptoms (like difficulty breathing), seek medical attention promptly. As a precaution, consider getting tested for STIs, even if symptoms improve.

It's completely understandable to feel concerned about this situation, and making sure you're taking care of yourself is a great first step. If you have further questions or need clarity on any of these steps, feel free to ask!

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