levaquin for bacterial std

[knb014]

Dr. -

I am a male, and 8 days ago I had oral sex and very short (less than a minute) unprotected vaginal sex. Because I freaked out, I took Levaquin (2 tablets, not sure of the mg, but very large pills). I took the pills 3 days ago.

Today I got very ill, with a sore throat and noticed that I have a sore testicle. The soreness in my testicle is not my imagination, it is pretty tender. I have a couple related concerns:

1) On this site I have seen "Levaquin is active against chlymadia and gonnorea." I have, however, seen on a couple other sites that it is "not recommended" for this std treatment. Would Levaquin take care of this problem?

2) Does it make sense that 8 days later I would be having these symptoms?

3) If this sounds like I have an infection, what is the quickest way to get a perscription?

Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  Your situation proves that there are several things that can be predicted about self medication for STDs. These are;

1. Most people who self medicate for STDs do not need them.
2. Most people who self medicate for STDs take the wrong dose.
3. The only thing that self medication reliable does is confuse things.

The dose of levofloxacin you took would cure about 90% of gonorrhea.   Single doses do not cure either chlamydial infection or NGU.  It is unlikely however that you have an STD or that your current symptoms are related to the exposure 8 days ago.  It is unlikely that your sore that represents an STD as most oral STDs are asymptomatic. Further, the coexistence of sore throat and testicular discomfort is more consistent with an every day, seasonal,  community acquired viral infection than an STD.   At this time, rather than playing games, you should see a health care provider who can examine you, test you if you need testing and treat you with the correct medications for the correct period of time.  

I hope this helps and that you’ll take this advice.  EWH

[knb014]

Sorry, I took 2 500mg pills of levaquin. I was told that actually one 500mg levaquin pill does the trick. So, in taking two, do you think I need further treatment (assuming a positive test result)?

thanks