See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests


I've been having the same problem for a few years now, and have had an equally hard time getting answers, though I've got a theory or two. I'm gay, so all of the following is male / male.
I was in a 5 year monogamous relationship in my 20s, and shortly after turning 30, found myself single. I soon started seeing somebody new and got strep shortly after we began having oral sex. After that it stopped for about a year, and then recently I began seeing somebody new again, and got strep 3 more times, and then it stopped again. I've continued seeing this person, and the strep seemed to have calmed down. Then recently, I had oral sex with somebody else (with the consent of all parties--judge me if you will, I'm not at all ashamed to be a sexually active, honest person) and I have strep as I type.
My best theory--and this doesn't explain everything--is that, as I understand it, strep hides in the recesses of the tonsils called "crypts," and people with more and deeper crypts are more susceptible to recurrent infections of strep. Often, a dose of antibiotics will get rid of the infection completely, but for other times traces of the bacteria remain in the crypts. This is why doctors often recommend tonsillectomies for recurrent strep. My theory is that fellatio often dislodges some of that bacteria and reactivates the infection.
Of course, that doesn't really explain why after a while with a partner, the infections seem to stop, and a new partner seems to trigger it all over again. Maybe a new partner's penis introduces new kinds of bacteria, that form a hospitable environment for the dormant strep bacteria to reemerge? And then eventually you adapt? Maybe that's crazy. I don't know. I'm not a doctor. Just thoughts.View Thread
See Related Sex & Relationships Communities
Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Sexual Health Information
- Sex & Relationships Center
- When to See a Sex Therapist
- Couples Coping Support Group Relationship advice for members like you!
-
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

