Understanding Chlamydia Dormancy and Trust Issues
I'm a 32-year-old woman who recently discovered I'm pregnant, with my partner being 35. My pregnancy was confirmed in the emergency room at the end of December after dealing with persistent nausea; at that time, I was around six weeks along. A month later, in January, I underwent a comprehensive STD screening at my OBGYN's office, and all results were negative. Given my routine testing, this outcome was expected. Fast forward to approximately 18 weeks into my pregnancy, I found myself in the ER again due to significant abdominal and vaginal discomfort. They wanted to rule out preterm labor and conducted some additional swabs for precaution. A week later, I received alarming news: the test for chlamydia came back positive. I've been exclusively with my partner since we began our relationship, and all prior tests before becoming sexually active with him were negative. After I shared this unexpected result with my partner, he appeared shocked and went to an urgent care facility for testing the same day. It turned out this was his very first STD test, despite having previously assured me he was tested and found to be clean when we started dating years ago. This revelation caused me considerable frustration. He suggested that there might have been a mix-up or a false positive, so I had another test done at the same time. Recently, we got the confirmation that he is indeed also positive for chlamydia. Now I'm left wondering if it's plausible for him to have carried chlamydia for several years, engaging in unprotected sex with me for the past four years, and only now transmitting it to me since mid to late January. He mentioned that the urgent care physician indicated this could occur if he had a "dormant infection." I find this hard to believe, particularly since my OBGYN stated that I must have been exposed after January. With a negative test result from that month, if he had the infection earlier, I should have tested positive. My partner insists he has remained faithful, yet I can't shake the feeling that his assurances might just be a way to avoid accountability unless a medical professional provides evidence to the contrary. Am I being led to question my instincts about his fidelity, or is it genuinely feasible that he could have had a dormant infection? I appreciate any insights on this matter.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 7:01:19 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel confused and worried about your situation. Let's break down the situation regarding chlamydia, its potential dormancy, and your concerns about trust in a clear and supportive way.
Main Points
- Chlamydia Dormancy: Chlamydia can remain asymptomatic for a long time, but it's not commonly "dormant" in the way many might think. Your partner could have been infected for years without showing signs, but this does not typically mean it would suddenly show up in your tests after years of being negative.
- Testing and Timeline: The results of your tests indicate that either the infection was contracted after your last negative test in January or that there may have been an error in either testing or communication regarding earlier results.
- Trust and Communication: Given the new information and your partner's revelations, it's important to approach the situation with a focus on supporting each other while clarifying your feelings and concerns.
Explanation
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be present without symptoms. Many people do carry the infection unknowingly, and it's true that someone could have chlamydia for an extended period without complications. However, the recent incubation period of your infection suggests it likely occurred after your last negative test. If your partner was positive, it indicates a more recent transmission.
The possibility of a "dormant" infection is less likely, especially considering that if he had been infected for years, you would likely have shown a positive result earlier as well. It's understandable to feel frustrated and uncertain about trust, especially given the context of the diagnosis and your partner’s testing history.
Next Steps
- Communication: Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about your feelings, the uncertainty around the infection, and the importance of trust in your relationship.
- Follow-Up Testing: It may be beneficial for both of you to undergo treatment for chlamydia and have follow-up testing after treatment to ensure the infection is cleared.
- Limit Future Risks: During this time, practicing safer sex and having regular check-ups can help prevent any further misunderstandings and ensure both of you stay healthy moving forward.
- Consider Counseling: If trust issues persist, consider seeking counseling or therapy together. It can be helpful to process your feelings and improve communication.
Remember, it's essential to take care of both your physical and emotional well-being during this time. If you have any further questions or need more support, don't hesitate to reach out. You're not alone in navigating this.
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