Concerns After My First Oral Experience
At the age of 18, I recently engaged in oral sex for the first time with a guy I had just met. A few days after this encounter, I noticed my throat beginning to itch, and I later developed a mild fever accompanied by cold symptoms. I've chosen not to communicate with him since then and have kept this experience to myself, sharing only with an AI platform for some comfort. Currently, my throat appears inflamed and red, with an itch that persists. I can feel my uvula pressing against my tongue, which is quite unpleasant, and there are small red spots appearing on my tongue. I've been staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, yet I haven’t noticed any improvement. Additionally, I've been taking Panadol to help alleviate my fever. Is it possible that I’ve contracted an STI or STD? I am quite worried that it could be something more severe.
Answers (1)
7/25/2025, 1:51:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned after your first sexual experience, especially with the symptoms you're describing. Let's break this down: you are experiencing throat discomfort, fever, cold symptoms, and changes in your mouth that may be worrying.
Key Points
- Possible Causes: Your symptoms could stem from various factors such as a viral infection (like a cold or flu), a reaction to irritation, or an oral sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- STI Risk: Oral sex can transmit certain STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes, which might lead to throat issues. However, many throat symptoms can also be caused by non-STI related infections.
- Current Symptoms: Inflammation and redness in the throat, itchiness, fever, and the appearance of red spots on the tongue can indicate viral infections or other irritations.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a close watch on how your symptoms progress over the next few days. If your fever exceeds 101°F (38.3°C), or if your throat symptoms worsen (severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or breathing issues), this would require more urgent attention.
-
Continue Hydration:
- Continue drinking plenty of water, as staying hydrated is crucial for recovery.
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Over-the-Counter Relief:
- You can continue taking Panadol (acetaminophen) for the fever and throat discomfort, but make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package.
-
Salt Water Gargle:
- Try gargling with warm salt water several times a day, which can help soothe throat irritation.
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Consider Avoiding Irritants:
- Refrain from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke and avoid strong scents that might irritate your throat further.
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Self-Care and Rest:
- Get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
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Reflect on Communication:
- Consider how you feel about contacting the partner involved or talking to someone you trust about your experience for emotional support.
If your symptoms do not show improvement within a few days, or if they worsen, it's important to reach out to a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and possibly testing for STIs and other causes. Remember, many causes for your symptoms are common and not necessarily severe, but addressing them promptly is essential for peace of mind and health.
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