What Could This Be?
About a month ago, I (19M) had a sexual encounter with a classmate. We utilized a condom for anal intercourse, but opted not to use one for oral sex. The following day, I woke up with a sore throat, initially attributing it to the physical activity. However, two days afterward, I began to notice some lesions in my throat, which caused me to worry about possible chlamydia or gonorrhea. Consequently, I consulted a physician who decided to play it safe by administering a ceftriaxone injection and prescribing doxycycline along with TMP-SMX for a short duration. Unfortunately, my throat's inflammation and lesions intensified, prompting a return to the doctor, who then prescribed a 5-day course of azithromycin alongside the other antibiotics. By this point, we had ruled out STIs as a factor and chalked my condition up to bad luck. After completing this round of medications, I experienced some relief, but soon noticed that the symptoms had returned. This led me to seek medical advice once again, resulting in a prescription for amoxicillin combined with clavulanate for a period of 14 days. I have now been off this treatment for just under a week, and I still see a lingering presence of plaques in my throat, along with some ongoing inflammation, though it’s not as severe as it was previously. I am experiencing some flu-like symptoms as well, including sneezing, nasal congestion, mild fatigue, and what feels like a low-grade fever. Additionally, I'm open to sharing photographs of my throat that I’ve taken throughout this ordeal; I've kept a thorough record of the changes. I must admit, I was somewhat inconsistent with the last course of antibiotics; I missed a dose and took others later than intended. This has me concerned that a resistant infection may be developing. I would appreciate any insights you might have. Thank you for your support. Good evening.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 1:10:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have been experiencing a persistent and complex throat condition following your sexual encounter, and I understand how concerning this situation must be for you. The symptoms you've described, including the sore throat, lesions, and flu-like symptoms, suggest that this may not be solely related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially given the treatments you've already received.
Summary of Key Points:
- You have a lingering throat issue with plaques and inflammation, along with nasal congestion, sneezing, and mild fatigue.
- Previous treatments have not fully resolved your symptoms, and you're concerned about possible antibiotic resistance due to inconsistencies in taking your medication.
Explanation:
The fact that you’ve received multiple courses of antibiotics and still have symptoms indicates that the cause of your throat issues may not be a straightforward bacterial infection or it might require more tailored treatment. Conditions such as viral infections, post-infectious inflammation, or other issues like allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could also be contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms may point toward a viral infection or another respiratory issue, especially since you mentioned sneezing and nasal congestion, which are not typical for STIs and can further complicate the picture.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms, specifically if they worsen or if you develop new symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or inability to swallow. Document any changes to share with your healthcare provider.
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Consider Allergies or Other Causes: Pay attention to potential allergens in your environment. If you suspect allergies, consider an antihistamine like cetirizine or loratadine to see if symptoms improve.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are staying hydrated and getting adequate rest. This will support your immune system in recovery.
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Follow-Up Care: Since you've been on multiple antibiotic regimens and your symptoms persist, it would be beneficial to follow up with your healthcare provider. Communicate your concerns about antibiotic resistance and your inconsistencies with medication. They might consider testing your throat culture for specific pathogens that may have been missed.
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Evaluate for Other Conditions: Be open to discussions about potential non-infectious conditions that could be affecting your throat, like reflux or an allergic reaction, which might require different management.
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Photographs and Record: If your doctor supports it, continue to maintain the documentation of your throat's appearance over time, as this could provide valuable insights during your follow-up consultations.
Keep in mind that persistence is key to finding a resolution, and I encourage you to actively communicate with your healthcare provider about your ongoing concerns. You're taking the right steps by seeking support, and with continued monitoring and professional guidance, improvement is possible.
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