Sorry, nothing to add regarding the diarrhea.
Regarding the Z-pack. Dr. Handsfield and I agree that the Z-pack will cure most infections, just not as much as the recommended dose. The two weeks of doxy would be expected to be completely effective however, even after two weeks. I doubt that your problems are STD-related. EWH
I have a appointment scheduled for Tuesday. Just a couple more question if you dont mind. I had the C Diff test at last Dr. visit and it was negative as well as the stool culture negative. Is there any other scenarios that you may have that I can run by my Dr. to help figure this diarrhea out that may be STD related? he seems to think from past visit that it is unrelated. I mean do any STDs cause 4 month of diahrrea that no matter what is eaten stays same color texture and smell? Ive seen in past posts where Dr. HH said a Z-pack would be effective in dose I took.(not doubting you at all just curious about differing comments) I also took 2 week of doxy for tooth abcess. would this a few weeks after the z pack effect bacterial STD's. Low risk sexual past except this one time protected CSW episode. Sorry if I am burdening you but these last questions will help me get through til my appointment tuesday.
thanks for you time
Azithromycin is effective therapy for the most common causes of urethritis in men (gonorrhea and Chlamydia) but the doses that you took are smaller than what is recommended for STDs and have not been studied. The dose of azithromycin recommended for chlamydia is 1.0 gram (1000 mg) and the recommended dose for gonorrhea is 2.0 grams. I suspect that lower doses would cure some urtherits but not all. My recommendation would be to be re-tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia and nongonococcal urethritis and then be treated if the tests are positive.
As for your diarrhea. Antibiotics can cause long lasting side effects including a problem called antibiotic associated diarrhea which can be caused by a bacteria called Clostridium dificile. There are tests which can be done to evaluate this.
On to your specific questions:
1. Your symptoms are really not typical urethritis symptoms. Most symptoms due to urethritis are mild and include burning on urination and sometimes but not always discharge from the penis. Pins and needles sensations would be most unusual.
2. See above. The drug is effective but you may not have taken enough of it.
3. See above comment on diarrhea.
4. If your SO is infected she should be treated with different doses of azithromycin as describe above.
My advice for evaluation of both your urethral concerns and your diarrhea is to go see your own health care provider. I hope the information I've provided will help you in dealing with him/her. EWH
The total Z Pack taken was 1500mg 500mg day one followed by 250 a day for four more days. Would this dose be effective against bacterial STD for me and my SO. Dont think I had sex with her after penile symptoms but this internet has me a little stressed out. I no longer have any symptoms except the diarrhea.