What Do I Need To Do
- In NSW, PDPT is being offered at some Publicly Funded Sexual Health Clinics and some Family Planning Clinics call 1800 451 624 to find out where in NSW. If you live outside of NSW check with your doctor as its not available everywhere in Australia
- Make sure you read or print off these fact sheets for you and your partner/s. This one is for you and this one is for your partners
Can I Test Positive For Chlamydia And My Partner Negative
If someone tested positive for chlamydia and their sexual partner tested negative, there are a few possibilities that could make this happen. – As most people do not have symptoms it is possible the person could have had chlamydia from a previous relationship and has not passed it to their partner yet.
How To Tell Your Partner You Have An Std
Use this guide to navigate the murky waters
OK, so you have an STD. And while its entirely fair for that news to freak you out at first, the good news is these days its often not that big of a deal. With modern medicine and increasing open mindedness, living with a sexually transmitted disease is not the end of the world. Not to mention the fact that more than half of all people will have an STD at some point in their lifetime, according to the American Sexual Health Association. So the odds are that your partner might have one, or has had one, as well.
That said, coming to terms with having an STD yourself and sharing it with the person you want to become intimate with are two entirely different beasts. And while you have all the knowledge that this is an entirely manageable situation, your potential partner might not. Stigmas, as incorrect as they might be, do still exist. So how do you break the news?
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They Didn’t Realize They’re Supposed To Discuss These Things
Many people feel that talking about sex just isn’t something you doand there are many reasons for this. Some individuals come from conservative upbringings that discourage sexual exploration. While they may have been able to overcome those restrictions enough to have sex, talking about sex is a whole different ball game. For many, talking about sex can be scarier and more “sinful” than actually having it.
On the other hand, a person can be so wrapped up in their own problems that it simply doesn’t occur to them that if they have an STI, their partner may have one, too. They are so focused on getting treated and moving on that they don’t notify their partners about getting tested and treated. They just hope that their symptoms will go away before anyone notices. Unsurprisingly, they often end up with recurrent STI infections.
Question : Can You Get Chlamydia From Sex Toys
Its less likely, but chlamydia can be passed during other types of sex such as sharing sex toys. If you are using and sharing sex toys, play it safe and place condoms and water-based lube on them.
When youre finished, clean them carefully with a bar of mild soap and water. You can also use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to clean toys. Do not use anti-bacterial or perfumed soaps as they can leave a residue which can irritate your genitals.
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Telling A New Partner About An Std
If you have an active STD, it’s normal to be nervous about telling someone new. Everyone raises the subject differently.
Here are some ideas for handling the conversation:
Imagine that your roles are reversed. What would you expect your partner to do and say if he or she were in your shoes? Be proud of your intentions. Your willingness to have this hard conversation shows that you care about the other person and your relationship. We’re more likely to trust and respect people who are honest enough to talk about tough topics like STDs.
It’s best to be direct. You could start by saying, “Before we have sex, I want us to talk about STDs and protection because I have an STD.” Say what type of STD you have and how you got it. You don’t have to share every detail of your past relationships, but showing that you’re open to talking and answering questions can help your partner feel more comfortable.
It’s best to be honest. It’s better for your partner to find out because you said something before getting an infection.
Let the conversation proceed naturally. Listen rather than doing all the talking. Prepare for your partner to be surprised. Each person reacts differently to the news. Some might get panic. Some might be full of questions. Others might just need to time to think.
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What About Previous Partners
Telling your current partner may be an easy decision. But what about previous sexual partners? How far back should you go? Anyone you have had sexual contact with in the past few months should be informed, Your doctor or nurse will advise you. Whilst many people want to tell their current partner personally, they may be less keen to contact previous partners, especially if they parted on less than friendly terms.
Fortunately, local genitourinary medicine clinics are prepared to contact people for you. You just need to give them the contact details and let them do the rest. They will keep your name confidential and will not contact anyone without your permission. You can search for your nearest clinic through the Family Planning Association ‘Find A Clinic’ service.
Question : Can Chlamydia Be Cured Or Treated Naturally
Most cases of chlamydia can easily be treated with a single dose of antibiotics. Its important to take the treatment prescribed and follow up with your GP or healthcare professional to make sure the infection has been cleared.
Home remedies for chlamydia cant cure the infection but might offer some relief from the symptoms as you complete the entire course of antibiotics.
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Frequently Asked Chlamydia Questions
Below youâll find answers to some of the questions people ask about Chlamydia and contacting their partners. For more information on Chlamydia .
How common is Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a very common infection, particularly in young, sexually active people who donât always use condoms. In 2007, in Australia, there were 52,000 recorded cases of Chlamydia and 80% of these infections occurred in people aged 15-29 years.
However, the actual number of infections may be much higher than this as many people with Chlamydia do not realize they are infected and so never get tested.
Chlamydia is passed from one person to another by sexual contact.If you have Chlamydia, then it is very likely that one or more of your sexual partners also have this infection. Telling your sexual partners is important because it:
- is the only way most people will know they have this infection
- stops you getting the infection back again
- shows your partner that you care about them
- reduces the chance of your partner developing serious problems such as infertility
- stops your partner passing the infection to others
Remember, most men and women with Chlamydia donât have any symptoms and so they donât know they have the infection.
You need to tell your partners that they:
- may be at risk of having Chlamydia
- need to get tested and treated for this infection by a doctor.
- need to contact their other partners
How do I go about telling them?
What if I donât want my partner to know itâs me who has Chlamydia?
Get Tested For Chlamydia
The most common method of testing for chlamydia involves collecting a urine sample in combination with collecting swabs of the affected area. The most thorough process of screening involves urine collection along with throat swabs, rectal swabs, and genital swabs.
The genital swabs will collect a sample from the urethral opening of the penis or the cervical opening in the vagina.
Urine analysis alone can sometimes miss infections if swabbing is not also done. Throat and rectal infections can be overlooked, predominantly when asymptomatic.
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How Do You Get Chlamydia Without Cheating
Other than cheating, the most likely explanation for a partners positive chlamydia test would be that the infection was pre-existing before the relationship. The bacteria that causes chlamydia has many features which make identifying the infection fairly difficult until it starts causing problems.
Asymptomatic
STIs are notoriously difficult to identify due to their frequent asymptomatic nature, as clarified by the CDC This means that someone can have the infection, but they may not display noticeable symptoms that would otherwise prompt them to get tested.
Due to the absence of symptoms, it is possible that you or your partner could have had a pre-existing chlamydia infection before your current relationship. This can also be the culprit for confusing situations where one partner tests positive, while the other partner claims to not have an STD. It is possible that they are not aware of the infection.
Symptoms Commonality
Another aspect to consider would be the misdiagnosis of symptoms. As outlined by the CDC, when chlamydia does cause signs of infection, it is most common to experience burning urination or abnormal discharge. Both of these can easily cause confusion between UTIs and STDsdelaying awareness and treatment.
Extended Incubation Time
In the case that your partner initially tested negative and then positive later in the relationship, this is a probable cause for such contradicting information.
Question : Can I Have Chlamydia For Years Without Knowing
The majority of people who have chlamydia dont experience any symptoms at all. That means that you could have chlamydia for months, or even years, without knowing it.
Even if you do have symptoms, they may not show up for anywhere from 1 week to 3 or more months after the infection is first spread to you through unprotected sex. By getting tested regularly you can stay on top of your sexual health and ensure that you are not spreading an STI like chlamydia unknowingly.
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What If You Think You Got The Sti From Your Current Partner
There may be circumstances in which you are certain that you acquired the STI from your current partner. For example, you may never have had sex at all before your current relationship or had a check giving you the ‘all clear’ before this relationship started. Your first reaction may well be one of shock. If you are in an exclusive relationship it is natural to feel hurt and betrayed. Remember however that some STIs can lay dormant for a long time, and your partner may have picked up the infection well before they started a relationship with you.
Once the initial shock is over, you need to think through the situation logically. In today’s liberated times, people may start a new relationship in the expectation that they and their partner will have had previous sexual experiences. However sensible it may be, not everyone gets screened for STIs before having sex with a new partner. This may be through ignorance, fear or good old-fashioned apathy.
We are all human and we all make mistakes. The poet, Alexander Pope, said: “To err is human, to forgive divine.” You’ll need to have an open and honest talk with your partner and get some answers to some questions.
- Is it likely that your partner acquired the infection before they started a relationship with you?
- Did your partner get tested before they had sex with you?
- Is it likely your partner knew they had an STI but didn’t tell you?
- Is it likely your partner picked up an STI while still having a relationship with you?
When And How To Reveal You Have An Std
Telling a new partner you have an STD can be intimidating, but there are steps you can take to make it easier.
You may not be as lucky as a client of mine. There they sat over dinner, on a date with an interesting man they had just met through a matchmaking service. The man had a cold and sinus headache. They pulled out their trusty but tiny pill holder that held one Advil, one aspirin, and one blue pill and handed them the Advil — not knowing that they had just had “the conversation.”
It seems their date had recognized the distinctive blue pill — because they took Zovirax for their own herpes. A few dates later, when the topic of sexually transmitted disease was formally broached, ironing out the details of safe sex was relatively easy.
Not everyone is this fortunate. Opening up about an STD can be intimidating, whether you’re 20-something or 50-something. You might wonder: Why risk rejection? I’m safe if I always use a condom or avoid sex whenever I have an outbreak, right?
In a word: no. It’s not always possible to know with complete certainty when an STD like herpes is transmissible. That’s because herpes can “shed” the virus and spread even when there is no sign of an active herpes outbreak. And such “asymptomatic shedding” does occur, explaining how herpes is transmitted to so many unsuspecting people.
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Be Open And Prepared For Some Judgment
Dr. Goje suggests being open, honest and realistic about your conversation. There are a lot of variables and a lot of emotions involved. Sure, you want to hope for the best, but you also might want to brace for the worst.
Be open when you have the conversation and be ready for them to judge you. Expect them to be confused or to walk away. Many times, whether its your family or your partner, you can tell them, I dont expect you to like anything I say today. Its fine. Its a lot for you to digest. But I respect you enough to tell you what is going on.
What Does Chlamydia Do To Your Body
Although chlamydia doesnt usually cause any symptoms, it can be serious if you dont get treatment early on.
The bacteria can spread to your fallopian tubes and uterus. If this happens, it might cause pelvic inflammatory disease which results in abdominal and pelvic pain. Even if PID does not cause abdominal and pelvic pain, it can still do permanent damage to your reproductive system. PID can lead to an inability to get pregnant, long-term pelvic pain, and ectopic pregnancy.
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Am I At Risk For Chlamydia
Anyone who has sex can get chlamydia through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. However, sexually active young people are at a higher risk of getting chlamydia. This is due to behaviors and biological factors common among young people. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are also at risk since chlamydia can spread through oral and anal sex.
Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider. Ask whether you should be tested for chlamydia or other STDs. If you are a sexually active woman younger than 25 years, you should get a test for chlamydia every year. If you are an older woman with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has an STD, you should get a test for chlamydia every year. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men as well as pregnant women should also get tested for chlamydia.
How To Tell Someone You May Have Given Them An Sti
Telling someone they may have an STI isn’t easy. Photo: 123RF
Life is full of awkward conversations. You worry, your stomach churns and what you think is the perfect script is eventually thrown out of the window.
But it doesnt matter if its a case of breaking up with someone or quitting a job, it has to be done. Telling someone you may have given them a sexually transmitted infection, or STI, definitely falls into the awkward category.
Two people who have been in this situation shared their recent stories with us:
SORRY I HAVE TO DO THIS – JACKS STORY
I have honestly never felt more worried than when the doctor told me I had herpes.
She was telling me about treatments and meds and all I could do was try to work out who I had gotten it from and who I had given it to.
I went back to work and straight away made a list of the people I had had any kind of sex with since I broke up with my girlfriend about a year before. I had four names and I no longer spoke to all but one.
I was fucking terrified.
I added the other three on Facebook and they all accepted, thank God. I know it would have been best to call each one, but I could only direct message them.
I even Googled examples of people who have had to do it.
The messages I sent went something like this:
I swear to God, waiting for their replies was the longest wait of my life. It was late at night and I literally turned my phone off so I wouldn’t hear the reply notification.
Safe to say, I didn’t sleep much that night.
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