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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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Need some help with STD
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Need some help with STD

by Randy23648, Apr 20, 2004 12:00AM
I believe i have chlamydia.  I have burning in the penis and my left testicle feels swollen.  I also have lower back discomfort.

These symptoms began a day after i was with a female sex partner.



I have been on antibiotics so far without success.  How do antibiotics work exactly?  If they don't work, is it just because I need a stronger dose?  I've had another STD in the past , and I remember it never went away until I took more powerful antibiotics.  Can a person ruin himself by taking so many antibiotics that they don't work on him anymore?  Also, how many antibiotics does it take to damage one's liver?  I believe I am just going to have to find the right dosage to cure this, but I don't want to hurt myself in the process.  Also, if there is something wrong with my liver, will that keep the antibiotics from working?  I'm just trying to figure out why I am not getting better.  



P.S. I have not had sex with any one else since that encounter i mentioned.

by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 21, 2004 12:00AM
The first thing is to confirm the diagnosis.  Make sure that you have been tested (i.e. with a urethral swab or urine test) for gonorrhea or chlaymdia.  This is important since there are different antibiotics to treat the different bacteria.  If they don't work, then sensitivities can be considered to ensure that the bacteria isn't resistant.  There are different antibiotic options to treat chlamydia (i.e. Azithromycin and Doxycycline).



Regarding liver damage, routine courses of antibiotics should not damage the liver.  If this is a concern, routine liver tests can be considered for monitoring.  



Some antibiotics are metabolized by the liver, and in cases of liver damage the antibiotics may not be excreted properly.  



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Thanks,

Kevin, M.D.
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