[Question #9183] STD/STI transmission
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35 months ago
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Hi all! I was tested for STDs back in April, was negative for all including HEP C and HSV. Fast forward to my partner, who gave me chlamydia - he didn’t know he had it and was asymptomatic. Truly heartbreaking for me. I tested 4 weeks post exposure, all negative again, except for chlamydia. Was given doxy for 7 days, and it seemed to have cleared up but will need to return to ensure.
Fast forward, I had sex with a new partner 2 weeks ago, with a condom, for maybe 3 minutes long. It was a bit rough, and I asked him to stop. He noted when we were going to switch positions, the condom was starting to roll down. I ceased all activity at the point. I recently had a urine culture done by my homeopathic doctor to treat my insomnia and there was a trace of leukocyte eratase. I was on my period for this test as we were also testing hormone levels and I needed to be menstruating. I googled what leukocyte trace meant and it said it’s possible I have an STD. What are the chances I still have chlamydia and gave it to this new partner, or that he gave me something? I don’t really have symptoms besides some itchiness, but Im wondering if that’s psychosomatic. I have a general fear of stds, always have, and use contraception always, except for once this year. It just feels like I can’t get passed this. Should I get retested? Please help.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
35 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your question. Thanks as ell for your detailed description of your situation.
AS an FYI, hepatitis C is NOT an STI, except on rare occasions among men with other men as sex partners. Now, with regard to your major questions:
1. Doxycycline is quite effective for STI treatment. Your positive test following treatment may have been due to residual DNA from dead chlamydia which were still present in your genital tract, may have been due to treatment failure, or may have been due to re-infection following treatment if your partner was not treated. Irrespective, it sounds like your 2nd treatment was effective.
2. When condoms slip down, that does not reduce their effectiveness. As long as the tip of the penis is covered and the ejaculate stays in the condom, have confidence that your condom did its job.
3. Often when persons are worried about STIs, they look carefully for symptoms and, as a result, tend to be aware of normal sensations which they would be otherwise not be aware of. This may be what is happening.
Bottom line: I would not be concerned about STIs. That said, if you remain concern, retest- ONCE. If the results are negative, believe them.
Hope this helps. EWH
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35 months ago
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Hi Dr. Hook,
Thank you for your response. I want to clarify. I only had one treatment of Doxycycline. I had sex in June, found out I had chlamydia when I ran all STD testing, and had a week of doxycycline. My partner had the same cycle of doxy. I did not retest after and was told I’d retest at my yearly PAP in November.
Two weeks ago, I had sex with a new partner using a condom. The next day, got a urine test prescribed by my homeopathic doctor for my insomnia. It came back as trace of leukocyte eratase. Does this mean I still have chlamydia? I’ve read a “trace” of leukocyte is normal. But I’m wondering what that means and if it’s related to STDs?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
35 months ago
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Thanks for the additional information. Your doxycycline therapy was most likely effective. You are correct that a urine specimen showing trace leukocyte esterase test may be normal. Your risk for having acquired another STI is low but if it would provide reassurance, testing is easy and reliable. If you test, I anticipate the results will show that you are not infected. EWH ---
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35 months ago
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Hi Dr. Hook, thank you so much for the insight and responses, it definitely reassured me for the future. Good news here. I spoke to my homeopathic doctor and he noted that there is no UTI, they ran a culture for the urine and even though there was a trace of leukocyte, there’s no actual UTI. Except now I’m experiencing frequent urination and some vaginal pain. Do you think this could be symptoms of an STD? I also took a mirror and it looks rather red near the vulva. No sores or blisters or bumps though. I have not had intercourse since over three weeks ago and just wanted to be sure. It may be worth getting tested unless this is all in my head. I’m due for my menstrual cycle in 4 days and have had a cyst on my right ovary. I don’t know if that correlates at all. And the internet leads me to believe this is an STD, so not sure that can be a trusted source either. I appreciate your help so much and am finally seeing a psychologist for the std fear I’ve had.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
35 months ago
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I am pleased that you found my comments helpful.
Your current symptoms of vaginal irritation, redness, and urinary frequency are unlikely to be due to an STI. Given your recent course of doxycycline one possible cause is a vaginal yeast infection. Less likely but also possible or problems such as trichomoniasis which, admittedly is an STI and is easily tested for, or bacterial vaginosis which is not an STI. When you talk to your doctor I would have her or him check for those possibilities and if testing for them is negative I would not worry further about an STI.
As you know, we provide up to three responses to each clients question. This is my third response. Therefore this thread will be closed shortly without further responses. I hope the information I have provided has been helpful. Take care. EWH
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