[Question #11517] Chlamydia

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13 months ago

Hello,


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13 months ago
It keeps saying my questions is too long so I’m breaking this up into parts if possible.. 
I can give context if it allows. 6 weeks ago I Received oral from an older woman (I am a male). It was an older couple in their 50s and they stayed they don’t typically do this. I have no symptoms other than a split urine stream that happened 4 weeks after receiving oral. From my understanding, this is more of an issue with the bladder and not a sign of an sti. 

I only worry about chlamydia as gonorrhea and ngu typically present obvious symptoms. By now, it would be rare for my to be asymptomatic for both. I understand chlamydia from oral is rare and there hasn’t been a proven case as of yet. 
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13 months ago
When I look at Asha, it states that chlamydia is possible from receiving oral; however, I assume this is due to possibilities and liability. When I look on this forum, it states that it is exceedingly rare and is not a concern. 

So a few questions:
Is chlamdyia actually possible from receiving oral or is it only stated as a possibility due to pharyngeal infections being proven meaning it’s possible, just not documented?

Is a split urine stream anything to worry about regarding an sti?

Is this an instance I should worry about or just move on?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
13 months ago
I can't find any past questions under your current username; you must be using a new one (which is against forum policy). Let me know your previous question numbers so I can review that (or those) discussion(s) and I'll be happy to reply.

HHH, MD
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13 months ago
My apologies. I was having issues remembering the log in and don’t have access to the email to reset the password. Was having issues submitting this question as well, so my apologies again. It appears my first question was #11135 on a different topic.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
13 months ago
OK, thanks. Got it.

Your own statement is correct, that "By now, it would be rare for my to be asymptomatic for both. I understand chlamydia from oral is rare and there hasn’t been a proven case as of yet."

The "proven" part is now outdated; there have clearly been some cases of chlamydia acquired by oral exposure. But they are very rare. Chlamydia rarely infects the throat at all; and when present, typically is in very low numbers, usually too low to transmit. Also almost all oral chlamydia is cleared by the immune system within a few weeks. Accordingly, oral sex rarely exposes the penile partner to chlamydia. (I'll take a look at the ASHA information. Perhaps it needs modification in light of latest knowledge.)

All in all, oral sex is very safe sex, and absence of symptoms of urethral infection (discharge, uncomfortable urination) within a week or two is strong evidence you were not infected with anything. Split urine stream does not suggest any STI -- although if this is constant, you might consider seeing a urologist to check for things like minor urethral stricture.

Do you need testing? That's a personal choice. The chance you have anything are nearly zero, and if somehow I were in your situation I would not be tested and would be continuing unprotected sex with my wife without worry. On the other hand, some people are more reassured by negative test results than by professional opinion, no matter how expert. (We don't take it personally!) If that applies to you, feel free to have a urine test for gonorrhea and chlamydia. If you do it, you definitely can expect negative results.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear

HHH, MD
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13 months ago
Couldn’t thank you enough Dr. Handsfield and the reliable scientific information is much appreciated. 

No further questions on my part, just found the split urine odd considering that came 4 weeks after the event. As stated; however, this is not a symptom of an STI. I’ll lay this to rest and won’t seek any further testing. 

Thank you again and the info. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
13 months ago
While split stream is a rare STI symptom, I have been aware of cases caused by warts in the urethra. This is very unlikely, assuming you have no external genital warts -- but perhaps something to keep in mind if the split stream continues. (If that's the problem, it's not likely from the sexual exposure you mention. HPV/warts are rare from oral sex, and warts typically don't appear this soon after exposure.)---
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13 months ago
That makes sense. Just to clarify, this wouldn’t be a symptoms of chlamydia - but it would be symptoms of hpv/warts?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
13 months ago
Correct.

That completes the two follow-up exchanges included with each question and so ends this thread. Best wishes and stay safe.
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