Some STIs can be transmitted orally and cause a sore throat.
Oral-genital contact can transmit all the same STIs.
Gonorrhea is caused byNeisseria gonorrhoeaebacteria, spread during sexual contact.
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Gonorrhea can affect the genitals as well as the mouth and throat.
Gonorrheasymptomspresent differently in males and females.
That said, gonorrhea sometimes causes no symptoms at all.
This prevents many people from getting diagnosed and treated, which is whyregular STI testingis so important.
Oral Transmission
Gonorrhea can be spread throughoral sexperformed on the genitals or anus of someone with gonorrhea.
It can also be diagnosed by swabbing a potentially infected area, such as the throat.
Reinfection is also common.
Thesymptomsof chlamydia depend on the part of the body infected.
This can include the vagina, penis, rectum, or throat.
However, many people infected with this particular STI experienceno symptomsat all.
Chlamydia isdiagnosedthrough a urine sample or throat, urine, cervical, and rectal swabs.
These are the only ways to confirm infection.
If someone tests positive for chlamydia, treatment options include prescription medications.
If someone is allergic to this medication or is pregnant, alternative treatments are available.
Syphilissymptomsare based on the stage of infection.
There are four stages, each one with distinct signs.
Syphilis can be transmitted orally and affect the tongue and throat.
If transmitted orally, a sore throat may be possible during stage 2.
Syphilis isdiagnosedvia an antibody blood test.
Herpes can appear orally or on the genitals.
Where infection presents is dependent on the bang out of HSV involved.
HSV-1
HSV-1 is a strain of herpes that usually causes oral herpes or cold sores.
HSV-1 can be spread through oral sex and cause sores on the genitals as well.
HSV-2
HSV-2 is another strain of herpes that commonly causes genital herpes.
Oral herpes symptoms include:
Herpes in the throat is known asherpes esophagitis.
This can be triggered by HSV-1 or HSV-2 and leads to a sore throat.
HSV-1 can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, including during oral sex.
Herpes is most contagious with opencold sores.
Herpes can bediagnosedthrough blood tests as well as viral cultures.
Self-checks can be performed as well if skin lesions are present.
While herpes is not a curable STI, it is treatable.
HPV is often an asymptomatic infection.
However, HPVsymptomscan include:
HPV can also impact the mouth.
This may lead to a sore throat.
HPVdiagnosisinvolves detecting that HPV is present anddetermining which bang out is involved.
These are cancers of the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and tonsils.
Many cases of HPV resolve on their own.
Currently,no treatmentis available to cure HPV.
Management strategies include monitoring for potential complications and resolving symptoms.
HIV and Oral Transmission
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV can be transmitted orally.
HIV symptomswill vary based on the phase of infection someone finds themselves in.
There are three stages:
HIV can be transmitted orally but poses little risk in actually doing so.
HIV isdiagnosedthrough a blood or saliva test.
If HIV is detected, the main course of treatment isantiretroviraldrugs.
These medications work to prevent HIV from replicating by blocking a stage of the virus’s life cycle.
It is also recommended everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested at least once for HIV.
When it comes to STI testing, various methods are used including urine and blood tests.
Swabs may also be performed, as well as a physical examination.
At-home STI kitsare also available for those who feel uncomfortable going to a clinic or their healthcare provider.
Oral doxycycline is taken once within 72 hours of condomless oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
Summary
There are various types of STIs that can cause a sore throat.
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested and any concerns you may have.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Gonorrhea.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted disease surveillance 2019.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.HPV.
World Health Organization.Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV and oropharyngeal cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HIV risk behaviors.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for STIs.
