STD test

[jc2771]

I had unprotected sex and immediately took 1g zpack.  I also got tested for Clamydia and Gonherrea through urinalysis which came back negetive.  The z pack was taken 2 days before the test.   I also took 500mg of levaquin before i got the results back.  I was just wondering if the zpack may have caused a false negative and if so have i taken enough antibotics to cure bot of these?  Any suggestions of what else i should do?  I am showing no symptoms.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The fact of the matter is that following any single exposure of the sort you describe, your risk for infection is low.  Most people do not have STDs and even if they do, most exposures do not lead to infection.  Taking the antibiotics you took could prevent, cure, or mask but not cure an infection.  Thus there is no way to be totally confident of your test results.   If you were exposed, taking medications could mask  infection.  My guess is that you are not infected (and likely were not even exposed) but if you really want to be sure, have repeat tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia at a time at least 4-5 days after your last dose of antibiotics.  

Hope this helps. EWH

[jc2771]

This sentance did not meake sense to me "Taking the antibiotics you took could prevent, cure, or mask but not cure an infection."  Could you please clarify.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Having taken antibiotics, if your partner had an STD, and if it were transmitted to you, there are three possible outcomes of havng taken the medication:

1. Taking the antibiotics you took could prevent an infection. (before it took hold)

2.  Taking the antibiotics you took could cure an infection.

3.  Taking the antibiotics you took could mask but not cure an infection.

EWH