Urethral Discharge After Unprotected Sex: When to Seek Help

Q: Urethral Discharge After Unprotected Sex: When to Seek Help

Hello： If you have been taking medication for 3 days and your symptoms have not improved, or if they have worsened, you should seek medical attention at a urology department. <br>Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid spicy and irr

Urethral discharge (has been evaluated by a healthcare provider)

On May 29, I engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who mentioned that they had unprotected sex with a stranger the previous week.
The stranger had urethritis and discharge.
After the encounter with the stranger, my partner stated they visited a gynecologist and completed a course of medication, and from the time before starting the medication until it was finished, they experienced no symptoms before our encounter on May 29.

On May 31, I experienced slight discomfort and itching in my penis, along with a small amount of white discharge.
On June 1, I consulted a doctor who performed a urinalysis, which showed WBCs 6-9/HPF.
The doctor prescribed cefadroxil 500 mg capsules to be taken every 12 hours for a total of 7 days.

As of June 4, I have taken 6 doses of the antibiotic (over three days), but the white discharge has increased, and I still feel some discomfort while urinating.
Should I return for an earlier follow-up appointment?

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/04

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If you have been taking medication for 3 days and your symptoms have not improved, or if they have worsened, you should seek medical attention at a urology department.
Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and to avoid spicy and irritating foods.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/06/04

More Info

After engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, especially with a partner who has had recent sexual encounters with others, it is crucial to be vigilant about any symptoms that may arise. In your case, you experienced discomfort and a white discharge shortly after the encounter, which raises concerns about potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other urogenital issues.

Given the timeline of your symptoms, it is important to consider the following:
1. Symptoms and Diagnosis: The presence of a white discharge, along with itching and discomfort, can be indicative of several conditions, including urethritis, which is often caused by STIs such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. The fact that your partner had a recent encounter with someone who had urethritis further heightens the risk of transmission. The white blood cell count (WBC) in your urine, which was noted as 6-9 per high power field (HPF), suggests inflammation, which could be due to an infection.

2. Antibiotic Treatment: You have been prescribed cefadroxil, which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. While it is effective against certain bacterial infections, it may not cover all potential pathogens, particularly those that are common in STIs. If your symptoms have not improved after three days of treatment, it is essential to reassess your condition. The persistence or worsening of symptoms, such as increased discharge or difficulty urinating, may indicate that the initial treatment is not effective or that a different pathogen is involved.

3. When to Seek Further Help: It is advisable to return to your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:
- Worsening of symptoms (increased pain, discharge, or urinary difficulties).

- Development of new symptoms (such as fever, chills, or systemic symptoms).

- Lack of improvement after completing the prescribed course of antibiotics.

4. Further Testing: In cases where symptoms persist despite treatment, further testing may be necessary. This could include:
- A more comprehensive STI panel, which may include tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other infections that may not be covered by the initial treatment.

- A urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic.

5. Communication with Partners: It is also important to communicate with any sexual partners about your symptoms and potential exposure to STIs. This can help ensure that they are aware and can seek testing and treatment if necessary.

6. Prevention and Future Considerations: Moving forward, consider using protection during sexual encounters to reduce the risk of STIs. Regular screening for STIs is also recommended, especially if you have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex.

In conclusion, given your ongoing symptoms despite antibiotic treatment, it is prudent to seek further medical evaluation. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment. Always prioritize your sexual health and the health of your partners by practicing safe sex and getting regular check-ups.

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