Can Herpes Infection Be Contracted Through Unprotected Sex?

Posted on Wed, 28 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 Answered on

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I'm a very worried Australian traveller in the US.

I've recently had unprotected sex with girls while on holidays, probably 4 times all up.

I've noticed that my meatus is a pinkish red and feels irritated/raised, I have no other symptoms like discharge, burning sensation, spots or blisters. I unfortunately have tried to self diagnose and am feeling really anxious because I read about herpes.

I'm going to try and go to a clinic this week but I'm unsure of the cost for foreign travellers. But what would you say this could be?

Thankyou

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I recommend complete screening

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am dr. kakkar (dermatologist and venereologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Unprotected sex is a risk factor for transmission of STDs.
Regardless of symptoms you should get screened with complete STD panel including HSV type 1&2, HIV, Syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Genital herpes usually present with visible genital sores which are painful and associated with burning on passing urine.
Rarely herpes sores may be confined to urethral lining when it presents with urethral inflammation I.e urethritis. Urethritis is associated with meatal swelling, redness and is accompanied with symptoms like pain and burning sensation on passing urine. Urethritis is also part of infection with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Rarely it could be due to chemical irritatiin to soap etc I.e chemical urethritis.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (44 minutes later)

Thank you for answering.
I'll be getting screened as soon as i can.
In your opinion, what do you think it most likely is?

I have no sores, blisters, marks on my penis, only a slight swelling on the meatus which looks almost like lips. I have no pain during urination and ejaculation.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding your genital complaints

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Once chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes are ruled out it could be a simple chemical urethritis due to irritation from soap bubbles etc or else it could be due to friction/ trauma from your recent sexual activities.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)

I'm actually experiencing slight discomfort in my prostates. Would that lean towards indicating chylmidia?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding STDs

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Chlamydia commonly causes urethritis is males. It may also involve prostate gland but prostatic involvement is not a sign of chlamydia.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar