Concerns Over Potential HTLV Infection and Ongoing Symptoms
I am a 25-year-old female, standing at a height of 5’3”, who is not taking any medications and maintains a lifestyle free from smoking and alcohol consumption. On October 11, 2024, I engaged in unprotected intercourse with a new partner, both of us being diagnosed with HSV-2. The very next morning, I began to experience unusual sensations in the vagina. On October 12, my partner took an STI test, which returned negative results for various infections, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis A, B, and C, HSV-1, HIV, and syphilis. However, by the following week, I was suffering from notable irritation, inflammation, and painful urination. My physician prescribed Metrogel, which alleviated the burning sensation but did not resolve the ongoing irritation. In November 2024, I received a diagnosis of Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma genitalium. My partner tested negative for Mycoplasma genitalium. After successfully completing treatment for both infections by April 6, 2025, I had a follow-up consultation on May 5, 2025, where I underwent a comprehensive swab and urine test. The results indicated negativity for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and various other pathogens, including both types of Mycoplasma, ureaplasma, HIV, and others. My urine test was mostly normal, except for the presence of ketones, likely due to fasting. The genital culture revealed a mild presence of Group B Streptococcus, which was treated with amoxicillin, leading to clearing of the infection. Despite these treatments, I still endure pelvic pain and general vaginal discomfort. Recently, I identified a slight white/gray discharge, but it has no odor. After finishing my course of amoxicillin, I took an Evvy test two weeks later that indicated almost no beneficial bacteria, with 100% categorized as disruptive bacteria. The breakdown showed high levels of Gardnerella, among other bacteria. I plan to begin a regimen of 5–7 days of boric acid, followed by another 5–7 days of Metrogel, and then will incorporate probiotic suppositories as well. Separately, I've become increasingly anxious about HTLV, a sexually transmitted infection that I learned can produce neurological symptoms. Since late February, I have noticed concerning symptoms on my right side, including swelling and tingling in the leg, tightness in my clothing, and by April, feelings of coldness and heaviness in the same area. Emergency room visits have ruled out blood clots and major issues like strokes through various tests, including bloodwork and imaging such as ultrasound, EKG, and CT scan. Throughout May and June, my symptoms worsened, presenting as additional tingling and numbness in my right arm, pressure behind my right eye, tightness in my breathing, muscle twitches, stability problems, mild difficulties with swallowing, and intermittent pressure in my right ear. Recently, I have also begun experiencing tightness in both calves. I consulted a neurologist who ordered MRIs of my brain, ocular regions, cervical and thoracic spine with and without contrast, all of which returned normal without signs of stroke or multiple sclerosis. I also have an EMG scheduled later this week. Moreover, extensive tests for immunology, thyroid functions, gastrointestinal evaluations including both colonoscopy and endoscopy, and RA/ANA testing yielded normal results. I've reached out to my immunologist regarding the possibility of testing for HTLV and am currently awaiting her response. This situation has ignited a deep concern within me, particularly because I’m unsure of the sexual history of my October partner. I trust he didn’t have other partners from high-risk areas, but I can't be certain. Additionally, my earlier partner in 2023, who transmitted HIV and gonorrhea to me, also raises concerns since I don’t have knowledge of his full sexual history, and he lived in Miami for a period, potentially exposing himself to higher-risk encounters. These uncertainties weigh heavily on my mind and contribute significantly to my anxiety about my health.
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 6:01:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your situation includes ongoing discomfort and significant anxiety regarding potential health issues, particularly concerning a possible HTLV infection. It's important to address both your symptoms and your concerns in a clear, structured manner.
Main Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: You have ongoing pelvic pain, vaginal discomfort, and unusual discharge despite treatment, which suggests the need for further evaluation.
- Concerns about HTLV: Your anxiety about HTLV and neurological symptoms is understandable, especially given your previous health issues and the uncertainty surrounding partners' sexual histories.
Explanation:
You are experiencing complex symptoms including pelvic discomfort and neurological signs that have been thoroughly evaluated with various tests. Given that these tests—MRIs, ultrasounds, and bloodwork—have returned normal, it’s clear that significant issues like multiple sclerosis and major vascular problems have been ruled out.
It's good that you're pursuing further testing for HTLV with your immunologist. Stress and anxiety can magnify physical symptoms, which can complicate your experience.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting any changes in the discharge, pain patterns, or neurological symptoms. This can help your healthcare team in future assessments.
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Continue Current Treatment: Proceed with your plan for boric acid and Metrogel, as well as incorporating probiotic suppositories. Monitor how these treatments affect your vaginal symptoms.
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Psychosocial Support: Consider speaking with a mental health professional about your health anxieties. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be effective in addressing health-related fears.
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Await Test Results: Regularly follow up for updates regarding the HTLV tests and maintain communication with your healthcare providers regarding your ongoing symptoms.
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Health Education: Familiarize yourself with HTLV, its transmission, and symptoms, which may help alleviate some anxiety.
You are not alone in this journey, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. If you experience new or worsening symptoms, resume communication with your healthcare providers to explore other treatment options or diagnoses.
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