STI in the throat: symptoms and how to test yourself
Lauren Dobischok
Epidemiologist
Lauren is a health scientist and science communicator currently living in the Netherlands. Originally from Canada, she completed a Research Master’s in Health Sciences at the Netherlands Institute of Health Sciences at Erasmus University Rotterdam (NIHES) with a specialisation in epidemiology. Prior to her master’s degree, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. With a background in public health, her goal is to create accurate scientific content that is easy to understand and empowers people to make informed decisions. Within Homed-IQ, Lauren works as a Product Developer and Content Lead, working closely with physicians and scientists on medical devices for Homed-IQ’s new products and written communications.
Our medical editorial process
All content at Homed-IQ undergoes a strict editorial process. Articles are written by specialist medical writers and subsequently reviewed by an independent doctor or medical specialist. This ensures that our information is evidence-based, up to date and reliable.
- Written by medically trained writers
- Reviewed by an independent doctor
- Based on peer-reviewed sources
- Regularly updated for accuracy
Table of contents
STIs can be transmitted through different types of sexual activity, which means they can also manifest in different parts of the body. Certain STIs can be transmitted through unprotected oral-genital contract and can infect the mouth or throat.
Oral STIs can be transmitted through oral sex, such as oral-penile or oral-vaginal contact. An oral STI may cause symptoms of a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with an oral STI, it is recommended to contact your doctor or a sexual health clinic (GGD) (CDC, 2024).
As STIs do not always cause symptoms, a self-test may be advisable if you have had unprotected oral sex or have been warned by a partner about a potential STI.
Table of Contents
Chlamydia in the throat
Oral chlamydia can be transmitted during oral sex when infected genital fluids come into contact with the mouth or throat, or when the bacteria pass from the mouth or throat to the genitals or anus (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
Pharyngeal chlamydia infections are relatively uncommon and often remain unnoticed because they usually do not cause symptoms. In some cases, however, they may lead to a mild sore throat or slight throat discomfort (NVDV, 2024).
Gonorrhoea in the throat
Oral gonorrhoea can be transmitted through oral sex with an infected person (Cleveland Clinic, 2024).
Pharyngeal gonorrhoea often causes no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include an itchy or scratchy throat, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and, in rare cases, inflammation of the throat with pus (Cleveland Clinic, 2024; NVDV, 2024).
Do you want to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea from home?
If you are concerned about oral chlamydia or gonorrhoea, an at-home STI test can help determine whether either infection is present. The kit includes the materials needed to collect a sample at home, which is then returned to a certified laboratory for analysis. Once processed, the results can be viewed online. Any positive result should be discussed with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How reliable are the tests?
Our tests are analysed in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory with the same equipment and protocols used by hospitals and GPs. The accuracy is comparable to a venous blood draw.
How quickly will I receive my results?
After receipt of your sample at the lab, you will receive your results within 1-2 working days in your personal, secure portal.
Are the tests really anonymous?
Yes, 100%. The packaging is plain, containing no indication of the contents. Your test is registered with an anonymous code. Only you have access to the results.
Sources
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1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 6). About STI risk and oral sex. https://www.cdc.gov/sti/about/about-sti-risk-and-oral-sex.html
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2
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 6). Chlamydia: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4023-chlamydia
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3
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, July 25). Gonorrhea: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4217-gonorrhea
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4
Nederlandse Vereniging voor Dermatologie en Venereologie (NVDV), & Nederlandse Vereniging voor Medische Microbiologie. (2024, July 11). C1 chlamydiasis (inclusief lymphogranuloma venereum). Richtlijnendatabase. https://richtlijnendatabase.nl/richtlijn/seksueel_overdraagbare_aandoeningen/deel_c_specifieke_soa_s/c1_chlamydiasis_inclusief_lymphogranuloma_venereum.html
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