No symptoms

Hello Doctor,
I had an affair 9 months ago,stupid I know, with someone that I knew very well.Both protected and unprotected. He assured me that he had no STDs etc.Neither my husband or I have any symptoms of any STDs in the past 9 months. I would know, because I had Chlamydia 9 years ago,when I was younger and knew the symptoms.
Should I be worried? I know the man I slept with quite well, none of us have any symptoms.  He recently had surgery so I don't know if they would have picked up anything in pre-surgery testing.
I read somewhere that if you had chlamydia before that it is harder to get a second time. Is that true?
I obsess over this alot,mainly because of guilt.I just want to know if it is possible for all of us to go this long without any symptoms?
Thank you so much

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your behavior may or may not have been "stupid" from a relationship aspect.  But from an STD/HIV aspect, it sounds like the risks were low.  Since you and your affair partner feel well, the likelihood you acquired an STD is even lower.  I am unaware of data that chlamydia is harder to catch the second time around.  If there is a difference, it is minor; repeat chlamydial infections are common.  But, yes, it is possible to go 9 months with chlamydia without symptoms.

Becuase of your obsession and guilt, perhaps you should see a provider who can test you for chlamydia and other common STDs.  Most likely the results will be negative.  Your local health department or another family planning clinic (e.g., Planned Parenthood) would keep things very confidential, in case you're worried your husband would learn if you were testeed by your regular doctor.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[picas35]

Thanks for the quick response!Is going symptomless that common in men?I thought men show signs quicker?I know alot of this has to do with my anxiety disorder.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

More men than women have symptoms when they get chlamydia, but up to half of infected men nevertheless are asymtpomatic.  But chlamydia probably clears up on its own in most men within a few months; so even if your partner had chlamydia 9 months ago, it likely wouldn't show up now.  That's why I recommended that you might want to be tested, but didn't say anything about him.

HHH, MD

[picas35]

if my husband cleared it from himself wouldn't I just pass it back to him?I get confused on how so many people can go without symptoms.  Does it have anything to do with no being body-aware?just curious. Thank you

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That is an unlikely scenario, since it is virtually certain you were not infected.  Repeat after me:  "My risk is low and I do not have chlamydia."  Now go to the mirror, look yourself in the eye, and repeat it 10 times.  If after that you still are not convinced, follow my advice above and get tested.

I will have no further replies.

HHH, MD