STD Exposure

[granger]

Doctors.  I have a couple questions regarding a current antibiotic treatment I'm taking and possible exposure to an STD during this same time period.  

I have been taking Levequin for the last 20 days to treat a prostatitus.  Last weekend (4 days ago now) I had briefly engaged in receiving unprotected oral sex only (approx 1 min, no more) before using a condom.  For the last two nights I woke up with a sweat and, starting today I began to experience an urge to urinate frequently and, perhaps getting a little ahead of myself/paniced, noticed what I thought was a very slight, clear discharge upon completion of urination.  Other symptoms include pain in rectum that radiates to my testicles, and spot between my rectum and testicles.  But, these I know are also symptoms associated with prostatitus, according to my urologist.

I'm kinda embarrassed to go to my urologist with these questions, and would appreciate your help.  Naturally if warranted I will call my doctor.

1) Should I get an STD test (mostly worried about gonorrhea based on information I've learned from this forum) or would the Leviquin I'm taking cause me to test negative anyway, regardless if I was exposed?
2) What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?  I've read your comments where the symptoms are generally very prominent.  I haven't had any significant discharge.
3) Would Leviquin be enough to stop an STD from causing further symptoms?
4) Is it possible that my prostatitus is flaring up, coupled with my anxiety, and I need to relax?
5) If I did catch an STD, would I be infectious to someone else or is the Leviquin 'at work' here?

Your answers will be greatly appreciated.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks. Hope all works out well.  I suspect it will.  EWH

[granger]

Thank you.  I was able to see my doctor who suggested a swab test.  If positive for gonorrhea they will be able to assess whether the current drug I'm on is effective or if another treatment is warranted.  He didn't seem too worried about gonorhea either.

The doctor also ordered several urine tests to check for anything that would cause NGU.  Now, I guess I need to learn about that and will check the forum out for info on that topic as well.

I will let you know the results -- it will be a long weekend for sure.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Either way, I think that you need to talk with your doctor - sooner than later.  You are right that much gonorrhea is now resistant to levofloxacin (Levoquin) but I still doubt that this is gonorrhea however.  (among other things, the discharge would not be clear)..  Please let us know what the doctor ssays.  EWH  

[granger]

Thank you so much.  

This morning, I had significant clear discharge after my first urination and my testicles appear and feel swollen.  My concern is that the levoquin may not be effective against the strain of gonorrhea if indeed I have contracted it (this is a big 'if' I realize).

How do you suggest I articulate my concerns to the doctor and what, if any, additional treatment or testing protocol should I be inquiring about?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I can understand your concerns.  Straight to your questions:

1.  No need for testing.  The levoquin should be active against gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc
2.  Discharge, burning on urination.
3.  It would stop the infection from occurring.
4.  Your symptoms are more compatible with prostatitis than STD.  Some say that sex can aggravate prostatitis.
5.  Again, the drug would keep you from getting STD.  Not to worry.  EWH