Oral STIs
It is often mistakenly believed that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can only affect the genitals. However, it is also possible for certain STIs to infect other parts of the body. For example, an STI transmitted through unprotected oral sex (without a condom or dental dam) can lead to an infection of the mouth or throat. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and HPV are all STIs that can be transmitted during oral sex. However, the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B through oral sex is very low. It is also only possible to test for HPV infections using a vaginal swab. Are you interested in checking for an oral chlamydia or gonorrhoea infection? Homed-IQ’s oral Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Test can be completed from home. Unsure of which test to use? Try the STI test guide.
Oral STI Symptoms
Oral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) often cause no symptoms and are therefore difficult to recognise. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include painful sores or blisters (as with herpes), white or red patches (syphilis), sore throat and swallowing pain, swollen lymph nodes and bad breath (gonorrhoea and chlamydia). If you have experienced any of the above symptoms, we recommend that you contact your doctor or a sexual health clinic (GGD).
If you have had unprotected oral sex or have been warned by a partner that they have an STI, you may want to consider an oral STI test. Getting tested allows you to have clarity about your STI status, avoid health complications from an untreated infection, and prevent spreading STIs to others.
This test checks for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using a swab sample. This sample is easy and painless to use. You will receive the results of your STI test within 2 days of receipt of the sample at the laboratory.
Order your STI test today
- Ordered before 18:00, shipped today
- Results within 48 hours after arrival at the lab
- Free shipping
- Easy to use from home
- Professional analysis in a medically certified laboratory
- Completely anonymous
Chlamydia in the mouth and throat
Chlamydia can enter the mouth or throat through unprotected oral sex, such as oral sex without a condom or dental dam. Oral chlamydia is less common than genital infections. Additionally, oral infections often do not cause any symptoms, which is why diagnosis in this part of the body is less frequent than in the genital area. As symptoms may not be present, getting tested is the most reliable way to rule out an oral STI.
Chlamydia in the mouth is also often symptomless, but when symptoms occur, they resemble a mild throat infection. These include a sore throat, redness, and discomfort when swallowing. Because of its mild nature, oral chlamydia is frequently mistaken for a common throat irritation or pharyngitis.
Gonorrhoea in the mouth and throat
Like chlamydia, Gonorrhoea can also infect the mouth and throat. While less common than genital gonorrhoea, performing unprotected oral sex on someone with gonorrhoea can transmit the infection, just as receiving oral sex from someone with an oral gonorrhoea infection can. During an oral infection, it is possible that a gonorrhoea test sample from the anus, vagina, or penis is negative, while you still have a gonorrhoea infection in the throat.
Gonorrhea in the mouth is often asymptomatic, but potential signs include a sore throat, redness in the throat area, swollen tonsils, and pain when swallowing. In some cases, pus discharge in the throat occurs, making the infection easily mistaken for a typical throat infection.
Are bumps on your tongue an STD?
Bumps on the tongue are usually not a direct sign of an STI. They can be caused by various factors such as irritation, allergies, or infections like thrush. However, some STIs like herpes or syphilis can cause sores or blisters in the mouth. If symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Homed-IQ makes the STI testing process simple
- Convenient: No long waiting times or need to visit a clinic. With Homed-IQ, you can easily test yourself when and where it suits you.
- Reliable: All tests are analysed in a ISO-15189-certified laboratory and are validated to be equal in quality to tests performed in a doctor’s office or clinic.
- Anonymous: You will receive your test in discreet packaging and your test will be 100% anonymous. Only you will get to know your result.
- Quick: If you order before 18:00, your test will be shipped today. The results will be available within ± 48 hours after arrival at the lab.