What Does Swelling Around Neck After Unprotected Vaginal Intercourse Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 26 Mar 2015

Question: I done unprotected vaginal sex with a CSW and oral sex 3 years ago. after 2 weeks found swelling around my neck, which disappear after 3 weeks. did hiv test after 3 and 7 months, was negative. Always Feel very tired. repeated all STD tests after 2 years (hiv 1, 2, hsv 1, 2, hep b, hep c, chlamydia, syphlis, all non reactive). But constant tiredness.

saw your chat with a patient:

http://www.healthcaremagic.com/doctorchatlogs/Sexually-transmitted-diseases-suspected/53082

You mentioned HHV-8.
Could it be cause of swelling around neck ? I want to get tested for HHV-8. Is it blood test? please tell Labs near XXXXXXX to get tested.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Human Herpes Virus 8 infection is a rare event...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

HHV 8 infection is extremely rare. They are extremely remote in XXXXXXX population. Yes, this infection can occur co-existing with HIV. But in view of exceedingly low incidences and absolutely normal HIV and other STD screening, I have no reason to suspect HHV 8 infection. So I would suggest you to put fears about HHV 8 aside.

By swelling around neck, I presume you are talking about enlarged lymph node. If it's so, FNAC or excision biopsy of the gland will be the gold standard test to understand its cause.

Though HHV 8 can be diagnosed through ELISA antibody test, it's not part of common laboratory test. Despite the rare occurrence, if you wish to test for it then you may consider visiting AIIM's institute.

Hope I was helpful. Let me know if you need clarification.

Regards
1.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Thank you. But it was in during a visit to thailand. The swelling are gone. Can you tell me whom to contact at XXXXXXX Any private lab offering this test.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The tiredness can have other causes...

Detailed Answer:
Well, if the lymph node swelling are gone it is likely that it was an inflammatory swelling - an acute one which has settled down now. The tiredness you are experiencing may have other causes and those can be evaluated by a physician.

To the best of my knowledge, I really don't see any indication that you could be suffering from HIV or any other sexually transmitted disease including HHV - 8. It seems pointless to test it now. But if you insist, you may visit the department of dermatology and venerology.

Hope this helped. I will be free to answer any more follow ups.

Regards

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

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