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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are staying hydrated and getting adequate rest. This will support your immune system in recovery.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.
Understanding the Reality of End-Stage Pancreatic Cancer
Navigating the complexities of end-stage pancreatic cancer can be overwhelming, and I'm seeking clarity on what lies ahead. My mother, who is 59 years old and weighs about 115 pounds, received her diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer in October 2025. Unfortunately, she has largely rejected the option of chemotherapy and is consuming her pain relief medications—specifically oxycodone and morphine—at an alarming rate. While I’m not worried about the dosage, the severity of her pain has reached a level that is becoming unbearable. Despite this, she is adamant about avoiding any hospital treatment, even though that's where she would receive the most effective pain management. I’ve attempted multiple times to get her medical attention, calling both hospitals and emergency services. However, due to her refusal for assistance, they have also turned us down. It was explained to me that taking her against her will could be considered kidnapping. After consulting with various healthcare professionals, I have been informed that her time may be measured in days or weeks. There’s also a chance that she could slip into unconsciousness, leaving me deeply unsettled. I am already in a state of mourning, yet I am desperate to understand what to expect in the coming days. It is crucial for me to prepare myself—emotionally and mentally—so that I can help ensure her comfort in these final moments. Plans are underway to engage hospice care, but the uncertainty fills me with apprehension. This is my mother, and I want to alleviate my fear so I can provide her with the support she needs as she nears the end of her journey. I yearn to be present for her without being entirely consumed by grief before she passes away. Any guidance or insight you could provide would be invaluable. I'm at a loss for what steps to take next and truly desire to navigate this situation with as much grace and readiness as possible.
Prolonged Miscarriage: Over Four Weeks In
A 35-year-old woman managing Type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump has been experiencing a challenging period marked by a recent miscarriage. This occurred just shy of ten weeks into the pregnancy, following an extremely positive pregnancy test, although medical confirmation had not yet been obtained. The physical symptoms were quite severe, with substantial bleeding that included large tissue clumps and blood clots observed during a shower. The size of these clots was rather alarming, comparable to a fist, causing blockage in the drain. Initially, for the first three to four days, there was heavy bleeding, requiring three pads daily. After that, the situation gradually improved, and around a week ago, she reached a point where only a pantyliner might suffice. Despite the reduction, bleeding persisted intermittently, mainly noticeable upon wiping, with instances of no blood at all, leading to inconsistencies in her experience. Recently, she has been feeling bloated and has noticed a resurgence in bleeding, necessitating the use of pads twice daily. Additionally, she has been experiencing light cramps and has developed acne. A subsequent pregnancy test revealed continued positive results. Now, with over four weeks of bleeding, she reached out to her physician’s office. However, the response was not one of concern, suggesting that she could schedule a visit at her convenience if she felt the need. The cost of visiting a doctor or urgent care deters her from seeking immediate professional help unless absolutely warranted. Overall, she reports feeling generally well, but is seeking advice from others. Is there cause for alarm, or is it feasible to let things unfold naturally? Could this miscarriage have evolved into her menstrual cycle instead? Additionally, it's worth noting that she occasionally finds small blood clots on the toilet paper after wiping. Since the onset of this situation, she has abstained from sexual intercourse.