Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in system for years?

[fman32]

Hi Doctors,Thanks for your wonderful help on these forums! I have a few different questions regarding Chlamydia and Gonorrhea that hopefully you can clear up for me.I have been with my gf for over 3 years now. We started having sex about 1 year into our relationship. Before this, I was with another girl in a monogamous relationship for 2 years (with exception of brief breakup where I received oral, I dont think she had any other partners then). In this relationship we never used condoms. Before this I had a couple of partners, but always used condoms for vaginal sex. I asked doctor for 2 year relationship and was only given a blood test (didn’t know better).Back to the present. Been going through stress recently, had some pain in the tip of my penis as well as lower abdomen and had oral thrush. Pain in my penis has dissappeared, no discharge from it at all,still have some mild pelvic pain.Had HIV test – negative result, Had a urine test for chlamydia and gonorrhea which came back neg,but I used a midstream catch.I have read afterwards that you should be using first-void urine to test for these rather than mid-stream urine and have been unable to find any info about midstream urine testing for C & G in males.My current gf and I will have brief unprotect sex (vaginal or anal) and then put a condom on.Never actually fully penetrate her though (maybe half way tops).My gf has never been tested for STDs and has never been with another person, and  just this week started feeling pain in her lower right abdomen (which could be a sign of PID). Please help me as I am freaking out thinking that I gave her an STD.My questions are as follows:1) Could I have had C & G for 3+ years and not know?2) Is the C & G urine test still accurate with mid-stream urine?3) What are the chances of C or G developing into PID, and her not having any symptoms until now?

BTW last sex was about 1 month ago.
Thanks! Very Nervous

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The issue is duration.  Years later it is unlikely that chlamydia would be there, just as is the case for gonorrhea.  Over that time it is likely that either you would have become symptomatic, your body would have cleared the infection or antibiotics you took for something else would have cured the infection.  EWH

[fman32]

One last question, just to clarify - you stated that gonorrhea rarely lasts in your system for years without signs, what about chlamydia? I've looked up symptoms of chlamydia and they seem to indicate that it could cause pelic pain in males.

Thank you for your help in this matter!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Nope, no change in my opinion or assessment.  EWH

[fman32]

I also had a few unprotected oral encounters with other females, but from what I've read on here the risk is quite low of getting an STD that way. Does this change anything?

[fman32]

Sorry the sentance above meant to say "I asked doctor for an STD test" not "I asked doctor for a 2 year relationship. lol. Thanks.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  In the situation you describe I would be flabbergasted if you (and your GF) had an STD.  As you point out, if she has never had another partner, you are the sole potential source of risk and form what you say your risk is very low. further,  For gonorrhea to persist for several years without symptoms would be very, very unusual.  

As you point out, an initial void urine is preferable to a mid stream specimen.  How much less sensitive a mid-stream test is not known but they probably do detect most infections.  

Her chances of having GC or CT PID form you are tiny.  There are many possible causes of abdominal pain.  If they continue to trouble her she should visit her doctor for evaluation.

Finally one last comment unrelated to your questions..  Partial non-condom protected penetration is still unprotected intercourse.  If you are worried about pregnancy or STD you should use condoms throughout sex.  EWH