STDs are the ones often attributed to the genital area, but what you need to know is that STDs can also be transferred to your mouth. You may have heard of STD in mouth or mouth STD. Oral STDs are infections transferred via sexual activity that involves the mouth. These include kissing and oral sex. The sooner you detect these infections, the better you avoid complications that may last longer. So, what are oral STDs, how would you recognize them, their treatment, and how can you protect yourself from these?
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What Are STIs?
STIs stand for bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections and are called so because they can easily be transferred from one human being to another with sexual intercourse. Some of the most common STIs are chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and herpes.
- Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a disease caused by bacteria, and it is the most common one of the STIs, but oral chlamydia is rare. People transfer it through oral sex.
- Syphilis: This is a type of bacteria. Although syphilis is usually infectious in its primary stages, it also causes lesions in the mouth area. It comes in various stages, and at each stage, different symptoms are seen, including oral problems.
- Herpes: Oral herpes is caused by viral infection from the herpes simplex virus or HSV. Most of the time, it results in sore blisters or open sores in the mouth, often within the lips. Sores are popularly termed cold sores.
- Gonorrhoea: It is another bacterial infection that leads to mouth and throat infections, which can be accompanied by a sore throat, or even pus-filled sores in the mouth.
What Are the Symptoms of STDs in Your Mouth?
Oral STDs can present in any form, so the symptoms will vary depending on the type of infection. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may exhibit severe symptoms. Here are some important symptoms of STDs in the mouth:
- Bumps or Sores in the Tongue: Sores or bumps around the tongue and inside the mouth are common symptoms of oral STDs. For instance, syphilis causes painless sores on the tongue, lips, and sometimes the cheeks, which are contagious.
- White or Red Patches: Infections like syphilis or HIV can cause patches inside the mouth. This infection causes white or grey patches to appear on the tongue and other areas of the mouth during the second stage of syphilis. These patches are painless but infectious.
- Painful blisters: These blisters can form inside or outside of the mouth, and they can rupture, resulting in painful ulcers that heal. Cold sores are recidivist, which means they reoccur after the first infection.
- Sore Throat: Oral gonorrhoea infection generates a sore throat similar to what most people experience from a cold or flu but without any visible sores. Soreness may last longer than a regular sore throat.
- Swollen Gums or Tongue: Some infections can cause swelling or pain in the mouth. Your gums swell, and your tongue feels sore or extremely sensitive to touch.
- Fever and General Discomfort: Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, oral sexually transmitted diseases sometimes cause generalized signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, and discomfort. These are much more apparent in the secondary stage of syphilis.
In any of these cases, it is important to visit a healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can prevent the disease from moving further into the body.
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Treatment
The type of infection will determine the treatment of oral STDs. Infections from bacteria, such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea, are treated using antibiotics. Viral infections like herpes can be treated but not cured.
- Syphilis: Syphilis treatment involves antibiotics, and in most cases, penicillin. Early treatment is important because if left untreated, syphilis can be dangerous to the brain, heart, and other organs over time.
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: These are bacterial infections for which antibiotic treatment exists; however, early treatment can clear up infection with just one dose only.
- Herpes: This virus cannot be eradicated, but its frequency and severity of outbreaks can be lessened with antiviral drugs. The lesions heal quicker and therefore one would be less likely to spread the disease.
A visit to your doctor is highly advisable if you suspect that you have a mouth STD; they could run any test that might be required and prescribe any treatment needed.
Precautions
A few common but effective precautions will prevent oral STDs:
- Practice Safe Oral Sex: Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can greatly minimize the chance of STD transmission. These barriers help avoid direct contact with infectious sores or fluids.
- Regular Testing: If you are sexually active then regular testing is greatly encouraged for STDs. Some infections such as chlamydia may not show signs but can be transmitted to partners. The good thing about regular testing is that you stay on top of your sexual health.
- Avoid Sex When Sores or Symptoms Are Present: If you, or your partner, develop visible sores or symptoms of an STD, it’s wise to refrain from all types of intercourse until the sores disappear or treatment is administered. Transmission risk will be significantly reduced for both.
- Open Communication: Discuss sexual health and STDs with your sexual partners. Be open about the timing of your tests, protection, and any symptoms you may be having.
Conclusion
Although oral STDs are not always observable, knowing what to look for would help you detect them before they cause harm to your health. So, if you see bumps on your tongue, white or red patches in your mouth, or a persistent sore throat, see your doctor for a diagnosis. With early detection, the condition is serious enough for treatment before it progresses to a higher level and causes more health complications. Remember, practising safe sex and taking precautions can reduce your risk of contracting or spreading oral STDs.