Possible Alternative ways to Contract Chlamydia

I have a series of questions really. As I understand it, Chlamydia is contracted sexually; whether it be vaginal, anal and even oral. Thus it is not an 'airborne' virus.
1) Does this mean it is spread through fluids or does it have to be DIRECT skin to skin contact?
2) If it lives in the membrane tissue in the vagina and the penis can be spread through fluid contact? Example: Urinating on an open membrane (vagina, rectum or oral)
3) Does there have to be penetration from the infected person in order to pass it?
4) What is the lifespan of this virus outside an infected body?
5) Is it even remotely possible (however rare) that a male can contract it by having the tip of their penis come in contact with fluid from an infected person?

Whenever I research the STD Chlamydia the information is so 'general' and looks like it's been copied and pasted from site to site. I sometimes wonder exactly how researched some of the data is. For instance, it is generalized that a mother-to-be can infect their child during birth. True. But that is if the birth is vaginal or natural correct? There is such a thing as a C-sect. Is the child still exposed to the virus then or is it not at risk?
Any feedback would be appreciated. Feel free to forward to respective associates.

[auntiejessi]

Hi there -

1) Does this mean it is spread through fluids or does it have to be DIRECT skin to skin contact?

Its in fluids.  This is why condoms prevent the spread of it.

2) If it lives in the membrane tissue in the vagina and the penis can be spread through fluid contact? Example: Urinating on an open membrane (vagina, rectum or oral)

I don't know, and I seriously doubt this has ever been studied.

3) Does there have to be penetration from the infected person in order to pass it?

No, but it helps.  If your genitals were close to someone else's genitals, it would still have to get into your urethra to infect you.  It would probably be easier for a woman to get it this way than a man.

4) What is the lifespan of this virus outside an infected body?

It dies when it dries.

5) Is it even remotely possible (however rare) that a male can contract it by having the tip of their penis come in contact with fluid from an infected person?

Yes.


You seem to have a lot of "what if" questions, so I will just say what I always say - if in doubt, test.  Use condoms from start to finish - put them on before any physical contact is made.  Talk to any partners about testing histories.

Aj

[nigumo]

A simplistic, yet complex delemma. My spouse and I were tested positive for chlamydia. As working parents, we've had sex only 4 times in the past 7 months. We are monogamous. So how is this possible? I am showing no symptoms, but that is not rare in males. She had a yeast infection and some spotting. Of course the instant reaction is to point and blame. The complication, we have 2 kids and neither of them have symptoms (they were born through C-sect) and she was tested at the beginning of this year (pap test) and was negative. So this STD only came about within the past 6 months. Yes, is obviously possible that one of us was unfaithful and has had an affair. But with religious beliefs and just mere time constraints alone... this is HIGHLY doubtful. So, this leaves me to explore other possible means of contracting chlamydia. One that is not a simple 'cut and paste' response from a website. I spoke to a physician and they are quick to say it can only be spread through sexual contact. Yet, the bacteria is in urine because that's one method of testing for it. So how can one NOT suggest that it IS possible (however unlikely) to contract it from something as simple as sitting on a toilet and having your genetalia come in contact with fluids? I think sometimes people forget to think outside the box. They take what they see at face value and whatever is posted on "WebMD" has got to be concrete. Yet, there are so many possibilities I can think of to contract it. Yes, I am stressed because my relationship is on the line here. ANY logical response would be appreciated. I think I will seriously have to take this topic up to some medical experts.

[auntiejessi]

You don't get anything from toilet seats, except sometimes the heebie jeebies.  

If you both had positive tests, they aren't false positives.  Someone had to cheat here.  I wonder about your questions in your first post - about penetration, etc.  Were you with someone who you rubbed with but didn't penetrate fully or something?

I'm not accusing - I'm just wondering.

I don't think this is about blindly accepting what webmd says, but just facts.  Over the years, a lot of research goes into how things are transmitted, and we know that chlamydia is only spread via sexual contact.  If you check the CDC and the American Social Health Association (ASHA), you will see the same thing.  (The CDC and ASHA are the two most respected organizations for STD info.)

AJ

[nigumo]

No offense taken. No I haven't had ANY sexual contact whatsoever with anyone other than my wife. I would like to say in good faith, that the same applies to her. I brought up the toilet concept because I was wondering if it is transmitted through fluids. You stated before the lifespan is supposedly "when it dries, it dies". Which seems totally logical to me. Hence some of the ways it can be tested for is through urine test and swab on the membrane tissue (which is where it lives). Correct? Well, if the tip of a males penis rests in droplets of urine (from an infected person) is it even remotely possible that one can contract it? The same would go for if someone urinated on a rectum or orally (these are hypothetical examples), right? This is fluid-to-membrane contact. I just want to explore EVERY possibility before I jump to an assumption or conclusion about my wife's fidelity.
Again, thanks for all your feedback. It is GREATLY appreciated. I'm just making sure I keep an open mind, especially with things that are not fully explored (as you said before, you doubt it's been studied).

[auntiejessi]

Well, I don't know.  In theory, I'd say yes, but we just don't know.

However, you are saying that you have not had any other contact with anyone other than your wife.  Has your penis been sitting in someone else's urine?

I appreciate you not wanting to doubt your wife, but I have to say, if my man came to me and suggested that maybe we got chlamydia by someone else's urine, I'd be highly doubting that story.  If I hadn't been unfaithful, I'd be wondering what he was trying to hide with that kind of story.

Aj

[Dallasfan]

I am sorry that you have having so much worry over this issue. Your question about alternate ways of transmission was answered by AJ. And yes viability of Chlamydia has been studied as far as transmission is voided urine or fomite contact. Chlamydia is not viable in urine specimens even minutes after collection. The urine tests we do use the MOMP antigen found on the Chlamydia membrane in the NAAT test. This does not require living Chlamydia to test. Cultures from penile and cervical specimens requires immediate special handling because the Chlamydia bacteria is so fragile. I hope you can work out your confict, but Chlamydia is and remains a sexually transmitted disease and is not transmitted by any fomites. Take care.

[nigumo]

Thank you VERY much. That answer will do to ease my mind. Although it's not something that is dealt with as simple as I might make it sound, I just wanted to confirm the origin of this situation. I can deal with forgiveness issues and the such. I couldn't stand the suspicion and the doubt that it could be me. I just wanted to confirm that I wasn't the cause of it. You see, there was a time when my stomach was ill and I ran to a porta-pot at my job and just sat down in a hurry to do my do. It was only after I was done and got up did I realize that I didn't clean the seat or the rim and my penis was touching the remnants of urine and whatever was sitting on the edge of the toilet rim. Hence, I was concerned it was I who got infected first and brought this whole situation about. I figured the tip of my penis was sitting in fluids that got me infected. Not the answer my wife would believe, because she still thinks I committed adultry. But now I know that this is not the case... So there is only ONE origin of this scenario...
Thank you all again for assisting me... now for the hard part... a long talk.

[arhbll]

My doctors have recently decided that they think I may have chlamydia, i have never cheated on my partner swears that he hasn't either. Is there anyway i coukd have gottent this from birth and it has stayed dormit in my body. this isssue my very well tear my relationship apart, I don't even know if I have it or not yet, but some einformation and advice will help me go back to the doctors a little less uneasy.

PLEASE HELP?!

[Vance2335]

No you would not have it from birth.
To confirm if you have it both people should be tested. Can't be diagnosed any other way.

[defjunx]

yea he def cheaten on you he had to having gotten it through penertration or less likely oral or if he happen to randomly touch somones infected eye from the clap and rubbed the **** outta his eye but that's as slim as a slim jim and catching hiv from skully

[Vance2335]

A statement can not be made that he cheated on you.

[defjunx]

yea sorry about that bold statement but the clap doesn't work like that and if u had it that long u would be permanitely ****** with PID i would sit down and have a chat also i disagree you can easily dignoise it yourself when u pee you literally can see the bacteria in the urine it will be cloudy with whitish dots trust me on this i am a expert seeing i have had it 6 times

[Vance2335]

You can not diagnosis it yourself because other STD's like gonorrhea and NGU has same symptoms also so does a UTI. And if you get chlamydia it does not have to turn into PID.

A lot of statements you are making are not full of fact, but 1/2 fact and 1/2 personal opinion. If you want to help others I say thank you but when you make statements make sure they are medical fact not your opinion unless you clearly state this is my opinion.

[WWu777]

Some of the websites I read said it can be spread from casual contact and bad hygiene. Why is that? For instance:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachoma

[quote]Causes

Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and it is spread by direct contact with eye, nose, and throat secretions from affected individuals, or contact with fomites (inanimate objects), such as towels and/or washcloths, that have had similar contact with these secretions. Flies can also be a route of mechanical transmission. Untreated, repeated trachoma infections result in entropion—a painful form of permanent blindness when the eyelids turn inward, causing the eyelashes to scratch the cornea. Children are the most susceptible to infection due to their tendency to easily get dirty, but the blinding effects or more severe symptoms are often not felt until adulthood.
Blinding endemic trachoma occurs in areas with poor personal and family hygiene. Many factors are indirectly linked to the presence of trachoma including lack of water, absence of latrines or toilets, poverty in general, flies, close proximity to cattle, crowding and so forth.[2][3] However, the final common pathway seems to be the presence of dirty faces in children that facilitates the frequent exchange of infected ocular discharge from one child’s face to another. Most transmission of trachoma occurs within the family.[2][/quote]

http://www.medhelp.org/medical-information/show/3128/Trachoma

[quote]Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Trachoma is caused by infection with the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms being 5 to 12 days after being exposed to the bacteria. The condition begins slowly as conjunctivitis (irritation near the eye, "pink eye"), which if untreated may lead to scarring.

If the eyelids are severely irritated, the eyelashes may turn in and rub against the cornea. This can cause eye ulcers, further scarring, vision loss, and even blindness.

Trachoma occurs worldwide, primarily in rural settings in developing countries. It frequently affects children, although the consequences of scarring may not be seen until later in life. While trachoma is rare in the United States, certain populations marked by poverty, crowded living conditions, or poor hygiene are at higher risk for this illness.

Trachoma is spread through direct contact with infected eye, nose, or throat secretions or by contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or clothes. In addition, certain flies can spread the bacteria.[/quote]

Can anyone explain this discrepancy?

[defjunx]

you are right vance but it is true you can see the bacteria in your own pee my own true fact because everytime i had it that's how i noticed go to the doc and guess what i have it think about it these docs sit in a class and read and learned from a text book i am living proof and so is others who have experienced the same thing only diffrence is i did my own studies and you are right it could be another bacterial std but i'm just saying you can figure out what is wrong without medical help to a certain degree but yes these people are highly trained and those facts are facts i would like to argue that beacterial stds are rarely transfered through oral because they are chances are still really high if i am a vergine who never had sex but loves his oral and had it six times from oral only and only 1 encounter with each lady, unless i just have extremly ****** luck

[worried0418]

My roommate is claiming she got chlamidya from sitting in my home. can this be true. i thought it was only through sex that it can eb contracted. im worried because i have two small children that use the same toilet as her. i need some answers. do i take my children to get tested?

[letresny]

alright i have a question. my bf went to a strip club and caught chlamydia from a stripper and gave to me while i was 9 months pregnant. yea i kno tell me bout it. i asked him what did he do at the strip club to attract it and he said all he did was peck kiss the girl a few times and sucked on her nipples. and ive heard that if yu are lactating then thats when yu kan transmit it but i doiubt she was preggo he even said he doesnt think she was. he claims that he didnt have any sex or oral sex with her. so is this true ?? can yu attract it from sucking her nipples or peck kisses??

[ivy401]

I have a dilemma as well.  Recently both my husband and I got tested for STD's and both of us came back positive with chlamydia.  I have not been with anyone else other then my husband.  My husband has had previous relationships but according to him the last one was 8 years ago and we have been together for about 7 years (since 2004).  He has never before been tested for any STD's until recently.  I was tested in July 2009 for chlamydia because I had symptoms of a yeast infection.  My tests for chlamydia and the yeast infection came back negative.  When I went to a gynecologist a month later because I couldn't take the discomfort and non of the drug store yeast infection medications were helping, I was positive for a yeast infection.  I did get frequent yeast and bladder infections and now that I am reading up I may have had chlamydia all along and my symptoms were never linked to the STD.  My question is, is it possible to have had chlamydia for 7 years and not have severe complications (I got pregnant right away in 2008 when we started trying for a baby, but my son was born at 4 lbs 11 oz even though he was full term and the doc said my placenta and umbilical cord were very small and thin causing a lack of nutrients getting to the baby).  Could this be the result of me having undiagnosed chlamydia (also when I first found out I was pregnant and did a urine test, the doc told me I had a bladder infection).  Could the test I took in July 2009 have missed the chlamydia infection?

[ivy401]

just to add to my previous comment...the test I took in July 2009 was a swab test (I've read up the swab tests are more accurate in detecting chlamydia then urine tests for females)

[TJenn28]

"Sexual contact" is very broad and leaves me with the same exact questions as the user Nigumo (individual who asked the original question.)  I would love to have his specific questions answered.

[Kesssley]

How common is it to have a false negative chlamydia test ? And is it possible to have it for three years. I have been on doxycycline hyclate for the passed year. . Could this be why I don't have any serious symptoms ? I ask because the last pap smear I had was when I was pregnant. Is there any possible way there was a false negative. And if so should I worry for my baby who is now two. Please no hate messages .

[shastabb]

I was recently informed that I had gonorrhea.  I have been completely faithful in my relationship and my partner claims the same. I was tested 1 month before him and I became sexually active with eachother and was negative for any std's at that time, so when I came back positive for gonorrhea last week of course I pointed the finger and had him get tested as well.. surprisingly,  he came back negitive. My question is: if him and I have been having unprotected sex for 2 months and I had it, wouldn't he have contracted it seeing how gonorrhea is very easily contracted? Next question is; I am a dancer at a strip club.. is it AT ALL POSSIBLE that I could have caught this std at work? Someone with some medical knowledge or experience PLEASE help!

[Vance2335]

Start your own thread and ask your question in the STD forum please.