Follow up STD risks

[whoops11]

Original post: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Alone--confused--scared/show/2203934

Hi, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post follow up questions.

My testing that showed positive for chlamydia was two days following my May 30th encounter. Could that type of testing (vaginal swab) be accurate that soon after exposure? Could I have truly gotten that from a one time encounter ( haven't looked much into transmission rates)? The only reason I'm obsessing over the chlamydia is that I wonder if one of the partners had it unknowingly, then what else could they have and might have given me?

I was just curious if based on exposure and risks associated with the May 13th/May 30th encounters if you would recommend getting HSV2 testing in the absence of lesions (It's been two weeks since this encounter)? Also if I should prolong an anticipated sexual encounter in late july until three months have passed and I can get HSV2 testing. Before this anticipated instance I will be seeing a gynecologist at the end of June but I just wanted to get another opinion.

Also, could slight vaginal discomfort ( itching/ skin burning slightly) be caused by the doxycycline? Possibly a yeast infection? Would the diflucan from the testing on June 2nd not have stayed in my system long enough to fight this?

Sorry to ask another question and seem so paranoid but Dr. Handsfield did agree that I had risky encounters so I just wanted some advice to calm my nerves. I'm so concerned about HSV2 that I haven't even shaved for fear that an ingrown hair would send me overboard...

Thank you Doctors for your services. This is a great service that you are a part of and for moments like now, I truly appreciate it.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Herpetic urethritis without sores is very, very rare.  Chlamydia however is not uncommonly associated with burning on urination and urethritis symptoms.

These do not sound like HSV lesions.  I agree thatthey may well be irritation from shaving.  EWH

[whoops11]

They are not painful

[whoops11]

There are also two small flesh colored bumps now that I'm aware of having shaved. However, they appear to be ingrown hairs or shaving irritation. Would it be an obvious difference?

[whoops11]

Is urethritis alone a symptom of HSV2 or is that usually present with sores? The clinic said it was due to the chlamydia. I can purchase another question if necessary...

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help.  EWH

[whoops11]

You're awesome thank you.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Good question.  If you do not have an outbreak in the 14 days after your exposure, there is no need to worry that you will.  Time for you to move forward - you are out of the woods.  EWH

[whoops11]

Last question, sorry, it's been on my mind. How much longer will I have to live with the fear of having a break out? It's been two weeks so if I make a month with none can I calm down? Or is this just something I'll have to be on my toes about forever...?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes, following completion of the doxy and in the absence of sores or outbreaks, you should feel comfortable resuming sexual activity.  EWH

[whoops11]

Thank you Dr. Hook for your reply,

With that in mind about the HSV-2 testing and in the absence of lesions, would it be safe to resume sexual activities in the coming months? After my test-of-cure of course and follow up with my gyno?

Thank you again Doctor!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to the Forum.  I suspect Dr. Handsfield would have answered your follow-up question but he is traveling at the moment and some of his replies are displayed. Since you started a new thread I will go on and reply.  FYI, I did read through your earlier exchange with Dr. Handsfield and agree with what he has said.  

It will be difficult to determine where you got your chlamydial infection.  Most chlamydial infections in both men and women are asymptomatic.  It is possible that your positive test two days after your last exposure was the source of infection but it would be unusual.  It is more than likely that one of your other partners unknowingly gave it to you.  Each of your partners in the past 4-6 weeks should be notified and should b treated for possible infection for their health and for their other partners' health.  

As far as herpes testing is concerned, despite your multiple recent exposures, unless you experience an outbreak or genital rash, we would not recommend blood tests.  The blood tests for herpes not uncommonly give false positive results, particularly in persons who already have HSV-1.  Should you experience a genital rash or sores, I would recommend testing the lesions with a PCR test as quickly as possible after they appear.  This is the best approach to herpes diagnosis.

Finally, as for your itching, this may well be related to your doxycycline therapy.  Doxycycline therapy can lead to increased risk for yeast infections.  Either vaginal or rectal itching might be a manifestation of a yeast infection.  I would talk with your doctor about the itching and ask her/him to take a look.

I hope these further comments are helpful to you.  EWH