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STDs (Expert Forum)
Chlamydia test window
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Chlamydia test window
by jonnybgoode, Jan 14, 2007 12:00AM
Hi doc, I have a question with regards to testing for chlamydia. I received unprotected oral sex 3 days ago. 2 days after the event i got a stinging sensation around the head of the penis. The stinging is NOT when urinating, that is normal but the stinging is pretty constant. I also have an urge to urinate more. I have read enough to know that chlamydia is not often passed on by oral sex but still " not often" is not never. To be on the safeside i have got a test kit for chlamydia that uses the urine sample test which is sent to a lab for testing. My questions are:
1. If my problems were due to chlamydia and these were chlamydia symptoms would 3 days be too early to test even though symptoms were present?
2. In your experiance what would you say the chances were of contracting chlamydia via oral sex?
3. Without showing any symptoms how long would you have to wait to get a reliable result when testing?
4. What would be the symptoms of a chlamydial throat infection.
On a more general note, If someone is showing symptoms for what could be an std i.e syphillis,Gonnorreah etc. if the symptoms were due to an std would that std show up on a test regardless of the test window? for example somebody gets chlamydia which symptoms show after a couple of days would the test result be positive even though clinics recommend waiting 2-3 weeks to be tested?
Would you advise me to wait before sending in the test? if so how long would you recommend to ensure i get a reliable result?
Hope you had a good christmas and thanks for all your hard work on this site.-
Bigdaddy1992
1. If my problems were due to chlamydia and these were chlamydia symptoms would 3 days be too early to test even though symptoms were present?
2. In your experiance what would you say the chances were of contracting chlamydia via oral sex?
3. Without showing any symptoms how long would you have to wait to get a reliable result when testing?
4. What would be the symptoms of a chlamydial throat infection.
On a more general note, If someone is showing symptoms for what could be an std i.e syphillis,Gonnorreah etc. if the symptoms were due to an std would that std show up on a test regardless of the test window? for example somebody gets chlamydia which symptoms show after a couple of days would the test result be positive even though clinics recommend waiting 2-3 weeks to be tested?
Would you advise me to wait before sending in the test? if so how long would you recommend to ensure i get a reliable result?
Hope you had a good christmas and thanks for all your hard work on this site.-
Bigdaddy1992
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jan 14, 2007 12:00AM
, Jan 14, 2007 12:00AM
Tests for chlamydia (and gonorrhea) probably become positive within 1-2 days, perhaps in a few hours after infection.
1) Your symptoms almost certainly are not due to chlamydia; symptoms usually don't start in less than 7-10 days. But if the symptoms were due to chlamydia, the test definitely would be positive.
2) Chlamydia has never been proved to be acquired by receiving oral sex. If it occurs, it is rare. There is some disagreement on this (e.g., from the San Francisco Health Department), but my view is the dominant one among the experts.
3) Since the only exposure was oral sex, testing for chlamydia isn't necessary. Gonorrhea is more likely, if you have any STD at all. But most likely you do not.
4) Chlamydia of the throat is rare. When it occurs, it is asymptomatic.
You can be tested any time. You should see an STD-knowledgeable provider now, since you have symptoms. Follow his or her advice.
Thanks for the thanks about the forum. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
1) Your symptoms almost certainly are not due to chlamydia; symptoms usually don't start in less than 7-10 days. But if the symptoms were due to chlamydia, the test definitely would be positive.
2) Chlamydia has never been proved to be acquired by receiving oral sex. If it occurs, it is rare. There is some disagreement on this (e.g., from the San Francisco Health Department), but my view is the dominant one among the experts.
3) Since the only exposure was oral sex, testing for chlamydia isn't necessary. Gonorrhea is more likely, if you have any STD at all. But most likely you do not.
4) Chlamydia of the throat is rare. When it occurs, it is asymptomatic.
You can be tested any time. You should see an STD-knowledgeable provider now, since you have symptoms. Follow his or her advice.
Thanks for the thanks about the forum. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Member Comments (2)
by jonnybgoode, Jan 14, 2007 12:00AM
To: Dr HHH
Thanks for the reply doc, it is very reassuring. Should i be worried about Gonorrhea even if i don't have a discharge or pain urinateing? I think it maybe an infection from normal bacteria in the mouth but i have got a chlamydia test so i may as well be tested. Am i right in saying that the result will be reliable for a 3 day test if my problems were due to chlamydia? also if it were from normal bacteria of the mouth / throat would antibiotics be needed or would it clear up on it's own? BTW i have to drop a urine sample off at my docs in the morning to be tested for a water infection would that show up any indicators of infection? Thanks again, there will be no more questions from me....promise :0)
