Duration of untreated infection

[andy71]

Hi,
How long can Chlamydia last in men untreated?  I.e., could a male carry it for 4 years with no symptoms (and no sexual contact with anyone?).  If so, what percentage might this happen to?

Assuming he could carry it after 4 years of no contact, and he then infects someone he entered into a monogamous relationship with, could they keep each other infected for the next 5 years or more (bouncing it back and forth)?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There are no firm data on the duration of untreated chlamydia in men.  In women, the infection can last up to 4 years, but it is rare; in over 90% of infected women the immune system clears the infection before 4 years.  The general consensus among STD experts is that chlamydia in men almost always clears up within a year.

You might not like this, but if chlamydia shows up in a couple that have been together for 4-5 years, the odds are overwhelming that at least one partner has had other partners recently.

Good luck--- HHH, MD

[andy71]

Thanks for the comment.  Does anyone know if a clean CT-Scan of the pelvis would rule out PID/fallopian tube scarring?  Thanks.