Answered Questions

In the years since SmartSexResource launched, we have developed a library of questions asked by you, and answered by our expert sexual health nurses.

Our answered questions library cover a broad range of sexual health topics and common questions we hear at our clinics.

STI Symptoms (135)

Recently had something looking like a wart on my penis. My partner got checked, apparently had a biopsy and said it was molluscum contagiosum. I’m not sure I believe that, but my doctor prescribed Aldara which was painful but seems to have successfully treated it. Now, potentially coincidentally, I have a rash in the groin area where I’ve had it before. A new Doctor prescribed aristocort r 0.1 which seemed to work to clear up the infection (which looks like a ringworm), but then it seems to have passed to the inside of the left leg (groin area) from the right side. At the same time, I’ve had tingling between the legs below the genitals (not in them) and a pain in my left hip. Is this a side effect of the cream as it seems to be so but… Or, is it an STI that I’m missing?Needless to say, I’ve abstained from sex for the past 3 weeks and don’t want to put anyone at risk. My GP is not an expert on STIs which means I should probably go to a clinic. However, would like to avoid that.

It is difficult to diagnose conditions over the internet as I would need to see it, take a medical and sexual history and do some tests. What I can do is give you some general information based on what you have written.

It’s common for us to see people with molluscum at the clinic as they pass from skin to skin contact; they usually go away after one treatment. It is also common for us to see people with fungal rashes as well, common to get these in the groin area.

It is difficult to say what could be causing the tingling between the legs. STI like chlamydia are common and most of the time they do not cause any symptoms or can cause mild symptoms like itching in the urethra (pee tube).

As you are concerned about a possible STI I would recommend asking your health professional to do a STI test and exam for you. If you are uncomfortable asking them for a test you could always come to the STI clinic.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on December 21, 2014.

How can I tell the difference between molluscum contagiosum and genital warts?

Molluscum and genital warts both cause bumps on the genitals. Warts can come in different shapes and sizes so sometimes it can be difficult to tell them apart.

I would recommend having a health professional have a look at them for you, they would probably be able to tell you straight away if they are genital warts, molluscum or something else.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on December 21, 2014.

Hello,2 years ago i had a vaginal exposure without condom with a sex worker. i tested at 3,6,9 and 12 month to post exposure. HIV1,2 is negative.But after 3 days to post exposure i have developed stomach pain, sore throat and salivary gland for 2 years.According to some medical websites, salivary gland could happen because of HIV.What is the truth here?

The truth is that if you have had a negative HIV test 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after a possible HIV exposure, you do not have HIV.

There are many things that can cause stomach pain, a sore throat and salivary glands. If you have had these for the last 2 years you should see a doctor or other health care provider to find out what is causing them.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on December 15, 2014.

How long does it take after intercourse for herpes symptoms to appear?

Herpes symptoms will usually appear between 2-21 days after infection.

If you are noticing any painful sores or blisters after sex that you think may be caused by Herpes having them swabbed is a good way to find out if they are caused by this virus.

Check out our Herpes Simplex Virus page for more information on Herpes.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on December 3, 2014.

sir /madam , once again I need your help . As i mentioned earlier ( at 42 hrs pcr hiv-1 , at 28 days 4th generation p24 ag/ab test ,at 6 weeks combnaids ,at 8 weeks elisa , at 10 weeks tridot, at 12 weeks combaids test , at 13 weeks tridot test , at 13 weeks pcr hiv- 1 dna all were negative .As i have mentioned earlier about symptoms some of the symptoms had gone , but the sore throat and swollen lymph nodes through out the body (very larger in size and pain ful )(that are at groin,arm pits,chest,stomach,back , hip, neck,legs, arms every where of the body where the lymph nodes are presnt) are persistent . The lymph nodes swelling and pain has been increasing and ecreasing but are persistent . If my swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms are due to hiv my test results would have been flagged positive, right ?. All are saying 3 months or 12 weeks test is conclusive .I tested not only for antibodies but also for actual virus and core protienis of the virus (p24). some websites say swollen lymph nodes are the earliest sighns of hiv. somebody say don’t diagnose hiv with symptoms but with tests . what is correctin these ? In other case am i infected with undiscovered strains of hiv ? That is why my tests coundnt to find my Infection ? I consulted an std specialist in a hospital he was saying very stupidly the swollen lymph nodes are may be due to changes in the body in as a part of as i am a grown up man . whoom to trust , most of the doctors are stupids and terrifying . I could not to feel free my self . your answer is very important to me . my tension and anxiety has been increasing day by day . – please help me , Thanx in advance.

Yes you are correct in that if your symptoms were caused by HIV your HIV test would show a positive result especially since you have done the antibody tests and the HIV PCR test as well. If HIV was affecting your body like this your HIV viral load would be very large and the HIV PCR would pick this up. All your tests have shown you that you do not have HIV. The only way to check for HIV is with a HIV test

Having a sore throat and enlarged lymph nodes are general symptoms that can be caused by many different conditions.

I am also wondering with all the things that can cause sore throats and enlarged lymph nodes why are you still worried that it is caused by HIV when all your tests say you do not have HIV?

It is common for us to have people in this situation at the clinic. It’s like they do not believe the result. What we have found is that sometimes people’s worry can be often related to strong feelings of guilt or shame. Sometimes dealing with these strong feelings can help people with their worry about HIV

Have a look at our worry and anxiety page it has some good information on what to do when feeling worried.

It is also possible that you could see another health care provider for a second opinion about your symptoms. I just don’t think another HIV test would be helpful.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on November 27, 2014.

Hi,I am in the following situation and would appreciate a quick assessment on what the chances are of me having caught any kind of STI:About two weeks ago, I went to see a prostitute (status unknown) and what happened was the following: She put on a condom using her hands, then quickly performed a blowjob (protected). After that, we had very short vaginal sex (also protected, approx. 10-15 seconds) and she continued with a handjob (also protected), using lubricant in both cases. Then the condom broke during the handjob, she took it off, cleaned my penis with a tissue (don’t know if antibacterial or not, same applies to the lubricant), put on a new condom and then continued with the handjob till the end. Exactly 13 days later, I noticed discharge from my penis and a slight (sometimes not even noticeable) burn when urinating. I understand the general risk of contracting an STI considering the kind of protection used is comparatively low, but is it possible that during the taking off of the condom I got infected through some of the (probably minimal) vaginal fluid that might still have been on the condom from the short vaginal sex before? Do you think chances are high or rather low? What else could be a possible and probable cause of the discharge and how often do these causes occur in relation to STIs (e.g. E. coli bacteria)?Thanks a lot for your answer!

You are certainly practicing safer sex with the type of sex you described. It is not a common way for STI like gonorrhea and chlamydia to pass, but like you have said it could be possible if some of the vaginal fluid came in contact with your urethra (pee tube).

Have a look at our “Know your chances” web page, it provides information on your chances of getting or passing an STI depending on how you are having sex.

I don’t know your full medical or sexual history so it is difficult to say what could be causing the discharge and slight burn when you urinate (pee). The most common thing that causes these symptoms in a man who is sexually active is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but other conditions can also cause these symptoms.

I would just recommend that you go and see a health professional about the symptoms you are having. In most situations they will test and treat for STI. If things do not improve they will start looking for other causes.

Have a look at our clinic finder if you need help finding a clinic in BC. You can also visit your family doctor or a doctor at a walk in clinic.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on November 2, 2014.

I gave this guy head at school in the dark and I’m really scared because I have bumps on my tounge and my stomach hurts really bad please help I’m 14 btw

Hi there,

It sounds like this experience has got you really worried. I can reassure you that bumps on your tongue and stomach aches are not commonly signs of any sexually transmitted infection (STI).

It is possible to get some infections like herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia or syphilis from oral sex, but these don’t cause stomach aches or bumps on the tongue. Using condoms can really reduce the risk of catching most STIs. Since you are sexually active, and just to ease your mind, it’s probably a good time to start thinking about getting STI testing. You can use our clinic finder app to find an STI clinic or a youth clinic near you.

It can be quite overwhelming to sort out your own feelings and boundaries about sex. No one should be pressured to have sex (including oral sex). Please send us more questions (public or private) or chat with us online if you are worried about being pressured.

You can also find some good information about this on the options for sexual health website.

Let us know if this helps,

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on October 30, 2014.

Hi. This month, I had sex with two different girls. One without a condom & the other one with a condom but it broke during the intercoarse. I’ve never been comfortable having sex without a condom but at some points I couldn’t control myself. This week, I’m noticing some “cloudy” discharge from my penins, accompanied by a very sharp pain when urinating. Can this be a sign that I might be infected with an STI?

Hi there,

Thanks for your question. Yes, discharge from your penis and pain when urinating are symptoms of an STI. (I’ll mention for others reading this – it’s also possible to have an STI without any noticeable symptoms.) We would recommend you go to an STI clinic as soon as possible to get an exam, testing and treatment. Many clinics will treat you right away based on these symptoms, so that you won’t have to wait for test results before you get treatment and start to feel better. You can use our clinic finder app to find a clinic near you in BC.

I’m sorry to hear you had a condom break – usually, using lubricant with a condom will help prevent this. I appreciate that sometimes it is difficult to use a condom once you are in the “heat of the moment”. Some people find it makes a big difference to make sure they have condoms with them when they might be having sex, and to have the safer sex conversation in advance. Like most things in life, having safer sex gets easier with practice!

Let us know if you have further questions,

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on October 23, 2014.

I’m male 31yrs I have only one time unprotected oral sex with unknown girl on 23rd jun2014 she kiss may penis average 10 minutes so, I blow her mouth. I did not know she have mouth ulcers or not . After I wash my penis with water. After oral sex 21days passed 4weeks ago in 21st July to 6th Aug I have skin Rush itch like mosquitoes bite in my arms, hands, stomach,elbows. neck and legs. Can you help me I’m so worries . I have headache also. But I was not use any medicine. I think I have HIV symptoms. Now today rush in my legs and my back still became a few times today 13Aug2014 I have heat under my legs. Rush itch will came an hour and gone but will comes again.in 90days I get Elisa test negative and tridot test negative. but the clinical told me window period is 3months to six months so 6months is conclusion. you 3months test negative can be false negative in 6months test. what your experience in HIV test negative and Windows periods Please help I’m so afraid to test 6months test

Hi there,

Sorry you are having to deal with all this worry. I can reassure you that HIV is not passed to the person receiving oral sex, so I don’t think you could have gotten HIV from the encounter you described. So, I do not think your rash and headache are caused by HIV.

The window period is the period of time between getting an infection and the infection being detected on a test. The window period depends on the test you get, so you should talk to the health provider who orders the test about the window period for your test. Here in BC, we consider the ELISA test to be conclusive after 3 months. If your clinic advised you to get tested again at 6 months, you certainly can. However, if your only exposure was receiving oral sex, I do not think you could be HIV positive, so please don’t be afraid.

You could catch another STI like herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis from oral sex, so it’s a good idea to get screened for these infections next time you go to the clinic.

Hope that helps,

Health Nurse

This answer was posted on October 20, 2014.

I have a very small lump under the head of my penis no stinging when I pass urine and definitely no discharge.Just a small stinging pain now and then I have had genital warts a very long time ago but this lump is only the size less than a pin head. My partner has herpes and we have been having unprotected sex for more than 4 years. Just wondering what you think it may be.

It’s hard to say what it could be without having a look at it.

Given that you get a small amount of stinging pain now and then and have this small lump under the head of your penis I would recommend going in to see a health professional for some STI testing and an exam.

It’s very common for us to see people in the clinic when they are concerned about lumps they have on their genitals. Sometimes they can be caused by STI like genital warts or they can just be normal things like glands or skin tags. We can usually tell by just looking at it.

Have a look at our clinic finder if you need to find a clinic in your area.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

For other readers, please feel free to leave a comment, or let us know if this was helpful.

This answer was posted on September 30, 2014.

This answer was updated on February 7, 2022.

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STI Symptoms (135)

How can I tell the difference between molluscum contagiosum and genital warts?

How long does it take after intercourse for herpes symptoms to appear?

I gave this guy head at school in the dark and I’m really scared because I have bumps on my tounge and my stomach hurts really bad please help I’m 14 btw