Spontaneous Resolution of Chlamydia

[JaneCl]

Hi,

This is going to be a bit of a strange question!
I had protected sexual intercouse about 3 1/2 months ago with a guy I don't really trust.  I also have a boyfriend.  Since then, I have become quite obsessed with chlamydial infection. I was tested at one week, five and a half weeks, 11 and a half weeks and 13 weeks post.  All tests were endocervical PCR except for the one at eleven weeks which was urine.  They have all been negative so far.  My new concern is that, as I have heard, chlamydia can spontaneously resolve itself.  How long would someone usually have the infection before that happens?  I'm worried that at some point past incubation, the infection took hold but resolved itself before the next test.  E.g. the first test was negative as it was still incubating, but then I developed a full-blown infection which resolved before the test at five and a half (nearly six) weeks.  I worry that I could have infected my boyfriend in this way by having sex with him between these times.  Does this sound ridiculous?  As I am typing it, it does - but I can't help but obsess!  So is it possible for this to happen, or does it look like I was definitely never infected?

Thanks! (and thanks for the wonderful forum)

Also - with the urine test - I'm aware it is supposed to be first-void urine - i caught the first void urine but nearly filled the cup so there would have been some midstream urine in there - would this compromise the results of the test?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, as I said, the scenario you describe is most unlikely.  You appear to be trying to convince yourself you had chlamydia when there is NO evidence that this is the case.  Time for you to concentrate on moving on, not on chlamydia.  EWH

[JaneCl]

Thanks for your quick and detailed reply!

So it is unlikely it could be present and resolve during these three months and never show up on one of these tests?  

I am indeed very fixated - something to work on!

All the best

[Edward W Hook, MD]

What you have heard, that chlamydial infections can resolve without therapy is true.  In fact, my research group has published much of the literature on this phenomenon.  It is not all that common however and, most importantly, you must have it before it can resolve.  There is no evidence that you were infected and you have been tested multiple times using good tests -believe them.

To provide some perspective, please note:
1.  Most persons do not have chlamydial infection
2.  Most exposures to chlamydia do not result in transmission
3.  Your tests have been negative multiple times.

As you suggest, you appear to have become fixated on chlamydia.  Instead believe your tests, you do not have it and the scenario you describe has never been described.  I would suggest that you consider that your fixation is based on your guilt related to the exposure you had outside your relationship.  Try to acknowledge this and move forward from there.

I hope this helps.  EWH