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STDs (Expert Forum)
Long term Clamidia and Trich Infection and Treatment
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.
Long term Clamidia and Trich Infection and Treatment
by worstfear, Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
Doctor,
I recently discovered that I have had a long term infection of the trich and clamidia bacteria passed to me by an ex-boyfriend who I have not been with in 8 months (almost certain that this is how I acquired these infections due to discussions I have had with my ex regarding his infidelity). My new boyfriend and I have both been diagnosed with both of these infections. We have been prescribed one 2000mg dose of flagyl and 7 days of 500mg doxicyclene (sp) twice per day as treatment. My questions are as follows:
I recently discovered that I have had a long term infection of the trich and clamidia bacteria passed to me by an ex-boyfriend who I have not been with in 8 months (almost certain that this is how I acquired these infections due to discussions I have had with my ex regarding his infidelity). My new boyfriend and I have both been diagnosed with both of these infections. We have been prescribed one 2000mg dose of flagyl and 7 days of 500mg doxicyclene (sp) twice per day as treatment. My questions are as follows:
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 26, 2006 12:00AM
Here are your questions, which somehow didn't make into your opening thread:
1.) Am I at risk of any long term effects assuming that I have had these two infections for a period of 8 months?
Most likely you won't have any longterm consequences. There is a slight chance of asymptomatic blockage of your tubes from prolonged chlamydial infection, which might make it difficult to become pregnant. But most likely not.
2.) Will these infections be tougher to treat given that they are so tenured? Can you give me a probability that the prescribed treatment will be effective?
The treatment is just as effective for prolonged versus recent infection. However, metronidazole (Flagyl) is only 90% effective against trich in women, and probably a lot less effective in men. (Further info regarding your next question.)
3.) Since beginning treatment (we took the flagyl 4 days ago and have taken 4 days of the doxi), my boyfriend and I have been experiencing more noticable symptoms. Particularly, I have noticed increased vaginal discharge. Is this normal for someone who is going through treatment for these infections, or should I be concerned?
As note above, it could be the metronidazole hasn't worked against your trich, or your partner's. Or you could have a yeast infection, in response to the antibiotics. Or just variations in discharge amount, which will settle down after you complete treatment. If either of you has continuing symptoms after you have completed treatment, you should both be rechecked, especially for trichomonas. If there is any doubt whether you were cured, you can be treated with tinidazole (Tindamax), a new flagyl-like drug that is more effective, especially in men (but also a lot more expensive than Flagyl).
4.) We have not had sex since beginning treatment. How long should we wait after treatment has been completed to have sex to ensure that we do not re-infect one another?
To be safe, wait until you have both completed treatment and all symptoms are gone. If in doubt, see my response to no. 3 and continue to avoid sex until reevaluated. (If the abstinence is driving you crazy and you really "need" to get it on, use condoms for the time being.)
5.) My new boyfriend and I are serious and have talked about getting married and having a family. Do these infections pose any long term risks to pregnancy if they are treated effectively?
See above. Slight risk, but there's nothing to be done for it except to wait and see whether you have any problem conceiving. In that event, see a fertility expert and tell him/her about your past chlamydial infection.
Thank you so much for your insight Doctor. I have used your website as a source of information and strength over these very difficult past couple of weeks. I appreciate your service.
You're welcome. I hope it helps-- HHH, MD
1.) Am I at risk of any long term effects assuming that I have had these two infections for a period of 8 months?
Most likely you won't have any longterm consequences. There is a slight chance of asymptomatic blockage of your tubes from prolonged chlamydial infection, which might make it difficult to become pregnant. But most likely not.
2.) Will these infections be tougher to treat given that they are so tenured? Can you give me a probability that the prescribed treatment will be effective?
The treatment is just as effective for prolonged versus recent infection. However, metronidazole (Flagyl) is only 90% effective against trich in women, and probably a lot less effective in men. (Further info regarding your next question.)
3.) Since beginning treatment (we took the flagyl 4 days ago and have taken 4 days of the doxi), my boyfriend and I have been experiencing more noticable symptoms. Particularly, I have noticed increased vaginal discharge. Is this normal for someone who is going through treatment for these infections, or should I be concerned?
As note above, it could be the metronidazole hasn't worked against your trich, or your partner's. Or you could have a yeast infection, in response to the antibiotics. Or just variations in discharge amount, which will settle down after you complete treatment. If either of you has continuing symptoms after you have completed treatment, you should both be rechecked, especially for trichomonas. If there is any doubt whether you were cured, you can be treated with tinidazole (Tindamax), a new flagyl-like drug that is more effective, especially in men (but also a lot more expensive than Flagyl).
4.) We have not had sex since beginning treatment. How long should we wait after treatment has been completed to have sex to ensure that we do not re-infect one another?
To be safe, wait until you have both completed treatment and all symptoms are gone. If in doubt, see my response to no. 3 and continue to avoid sex until reevaluated. (If the abstinence is driving you crazy and you really "need" to get it on, use condoms for the time being.)
5.) My new boyfriend and I are serious and have talked about getting married and having a family. Do these infections pose any long term risks to pregnancy if they are treated effectively?
See above. Slight risk, but there's nothing to be done for it except to wait and see whether you have any problem conceiving. In that event, see a fertility expert and tell him/her about your past chlamydial infection.
Thank you so much for your insight Doctor. I have used your website as a source of information and strength over these very difficult past couple of weeks. I appreciate your service.
You're welcome. I hope it helps-- HHH, MD
