Greetings Doctors,

I hope all is well.

I ask because my sibling tested positive for chlamydia. My sibling tested negative for other std/sti and taken medicine to clear chlamydia. I accidentally used the same towel the other morning without realizing it. My other sibling also shares beverages with our sibling who was for chlamydia. I have never stressed encounters such as these because I have read that std/sti infections are not transmitted through non-sexual routes (with the exception of injections). I am confused because upon testing my sibling was told by a clinic staff member that contaminated environments/objects were a route of transmission for std/sti infections.

In trying to not stigmatize my sibling, I admit I’m unsure how to address the conflicting information. I thought to reach out to you to check my understanding instead of feeding into unwarranted anxiety. I also ask my questions because I am entering into a relationship and am wondering if I should hold off due my use of a potentially contaminated towel and pursue testing first.

Question 1: I read from responses on the forum that sharing contaminated objects such as drinks or towels are not routes for std/sti transmission. Am I correct in interpreting interactions such as these as risk free?

Question 2: If my understanding is correct and interactions such as the ones mentioned above (sharing contaminated drinks/towels) are risk free, is there a medical obligation to disclose such interactions to potential partners?

Dr. Hook,

Thank you for your fast reply. I am relieved to hear the information we received was incorrect. That clears a lot up for me. If you’ll allow me to summarize to make sure what I have accurately understood your explaination.

You explained that the viral STI’s are rarely spread through objects (ie. drinks and towels), this also hold true for the hepatitis B and C viruses in regarding to potentially contaminated objects.

Per some of the answered forums I read through I did suggest my sibling consider retesting in a few weeks to wait out window periods for optimal results. I am happy my sibling did the responsible thing by disclosing this to his partner and seems spooked into practicing safer sex practices in the future.

At the end of the window period should my sibling test positive for any other std/sti, I (who accidently shared a towel and have shared drinks) am still not at risk beyond theoretical risks (evident of no documented/confirmed cases from literature) and can continue to date and engage in intimacy with my partner. These are not risks that realistically affect me and I need not bring up the fact that I have shared a towel or drink with potentially std/sti person to my own partners. This is in the same vain that I would not fixate on the fact I have used a public toilet that may have been used by someone carrying an std/sti. This is unwarranted and would create unnecessary anxiety.

I sincerely thank you Dr. Hook. You, Handsfield, and Warren for your efforts.

Dr. Hook,

Thank you for everything. After talking with my sibling and going over their results we are going to let this go and not pursue further testing (and save some money) :)

My siblings current partner also tested negative for all other std/sti’s, and while my sibling admitted to having another partner about 3 months ago they explained they used protection, which is a relief because they initially were not.

Also, thank you for helping to set to rest any anxieties I had about implications a siblings status could (or in this case will not have) on other household members.

Have a great summer!