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I need some answers please.On Aug 2 2008 I had a sexual encounter with a woman in which the condom failed. Approx. Aug 14 I submitted a urine sample for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. It was negative. Around Aug 21 I went for a visual exam to alleviate my fears (All was fine). About mid September was the first time I had sex with my common law partner since being back. About the week of Sept 22 I developed a scant clear discharge . I also had a mild urethral irritation and the occasional itch at the opening of my urethra. If you like I have more detailed related posts to this matter.  The woman at the time ended up having PID. To make a long story short, I have had a multitude of tests (all negative)  and many courses of antibiotics which never helped my condition even with abstinence from sex for a prolonged period.  Every sexual health clinic, my family doctor, and urologist said I do not have an sti. I was told by doctor and urologist I have prostatitis and will have no consequences for my partner. Urologist pretty much washed his hands of me in March 2010 although the problem persists. My spouse just had a pap smear and her doctor said she had inflammed ovaries, they also called back the same day and want her to see a urologist regarding her kidneys. Do you suspect I am the cause of this, and what type of bacteria could this be since all typical sti's have been ruled out. She is terrified at the moment. I am sick to my stomach if I have harmed her in any way. This has been going on for almost 2 years now. Can trich cause PID.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
My first thought upon reading your post, is have you been tested for Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 and 2?  If not, I certainly would test you for them--this is usually best done with a blood test for antibodies to the viruses.

PID can't be caused by trichomonas--that usually only resides in the vagina, and not the upper genital tract.  PID usually is caused by several different organisms, and not necessarily always gonorrhea and chlamydia, although these are the most common.
I don't know whether your liason partner also has other partners, but would  assume that she probably does.  Therefore, it would be very cloudy as to who gave what to whom.

I am also assuming that your current concern is for your wife. If she were my patient, I would tell her that she should definitely be tested for STDs as well, just as a matter of course. "Inflammed ovaries" could result from many different causes including PID, endometriosis, or even cysts.  STDs don't typically cause inflammation of the kidneys.
Also, PID usually doesn't show up 2 years after exposure--usually its pretty quick.

Whatever the case, she should be tested and treated if positive--no matter what else happens!

Good luck!
Dr B

[kinger21]

The above post was intended to say Nephrologist not urologist.