Chlamydia and infertility

[carly10101983]

Hi,

5 years ago i had unprotected sex and contracted chlamydia.  I did not have any symptoms so only found out when i went for a check up at the GU clinic 10 months later and i was given a course of antibiotics.  I was naive to the risks at the time and it was a huge wake up call.  i was so concerned about it that I went for another check up 6 months later, despite only having sex with my current partner,  just to make sure the infection was cleared (of which it was).  

I have been my partner for 3 and a half years now, and we want to start trying for a family in 7 months time.  I am however, so concerned about my past infection and really do worry about my fertility.  i have read up about this and know that the chlamydia has to develop into PID before it can affect the fallopian tubes, and thus your fertility.  But how do i know whether it had developed into PID?  does PID always have symptoms?  

The reason why we are waiting a further 7 months before we start trying is because we are putting money aside for a baby, but also my partner feels like we need that time before a baby (as we've only just got a house, got careers etc) and that does make sense and i want us both to be ready.  However, the fact I had chlamydia makes me not want to wait as i want to know one way or another rather than wait seven months , then to try for a year before finding out i cant conceive.  i  really dont think i can wait another 7 months to find out whether this infection has affected me!  but i know i have to.  does anyone know that liklihood of me being infertile from this?  i know its hard to say but alot of the websites say "if left untreated for too long,  it can develop into PID" but how long is TOO long??  

I know this is my own fault so please no critical comments.  but any advice is welcome!  Thanks (p.s sorry about the long post)

Carly x
  

[auntiejessi]

There is no set time frame for PID to develop, but PID makes you feel REALLY lousy.  You'd have cramping, diarrhea, a fever, maybe bleeding and vomiting.

PID doesn't go unnoticed, and wouldn't be cured with just a simple round of antibiotics.

I hope this helps you relax and enjoy all the wonderful things happening for you right now.

AJ

[carly10101983]

Thanks for such a quick response.  Just one more question if you wouldnt mind.  Would PID, as well as chlamydia, show up on a general check up at the GUM clinic i.e when I went both times for a check up.  I had swabs in my mouth and cervix, urethra etc and a blood test.  I know you say I would have had symptoms for pid but i just want to be as sure as i can be (i'm a worrier cant you tell :) ).  also i do remember just one occasion about 3 months after contracting chlamydia when i bled after sex, however there was no discomfort and it only happened the once.  could this have been a symptom of chlamydia rather that  PID?

carly x

[auntiejessi]

Hi Carly -

The bleeding after sex could have been from chalmydia, and that's a very common symptom of it.  You can get bleeding with PID, but bleeding alone isn't necessarily a symptom of PID.

I can tell you are a worrier (and I get that, because I am too lol), but remember that stress can make it harder to make a baby, so when the time comes, try not to worry so much.  

Also, since you are planning on trying soon, talk to your doc about this and get prenatal vitamins, and get a check up to make sure you are healthy, etc.

Good luck!!

AJ