Concerns About STDs After Multiple Partners: What You Need to Know

Q: Concerns About STDs After Multiple Partners: What You Need to Know

Dr. Aki： Hello. 1. For general urethritis, antibiotics should be used for 10-14 days. 2. It is recommended to undergo sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and regardless of the results, all sexual partners should be informed to undergo appropriate t

Concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Hello Doctor, due to feeling depressed after a breakup, I engaged in sexual intercourse with fourteen women from June to July.
I have a history of infertility (low sperm count), and the women are all around 20 years old and university students, so I didn't think much about it and had unprotected sex with each of them.
After my encounter with the second woman, I experienced persistent itching under the glans for one to two days after ejaculation (whether from masturbation or intercourse), along with a foreign body sensation at the tip of my urethra and slight pain at the urethral opening.
However, since it didn't significantly affect my daily life, I didn't pay much attention to it.
Two weeks ago, the tenth woman called to inform me that she was diagnosed with Chlamydia and HPV, which made me start to worry about sexually transmitted infections.
This week, I noticed white mucus occasionally discharging from my urethra, along with the foreign body sensation and itching, so I went to the hospital for anonymous screening for HIV, syphilis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
The results will take two weeks.
I also consulted a urologist, who, after hearing my explanation, took a swab of my urethral discharge for culture testing and advised me to return in a week.
Additionally, I was prescribed Ulexin 500 mg to take three times a day.
After taking the medication for two days, it seems that my symptoms have not improved, and now I also feel slightly dizzy, as if I have a mild fever, and sometimes I experience dull pain in my kidneys.
Should I go back for a consultation immediately? Should I continue taking Ulexin? It seems to only target gonorrhea? Do I need to communicate this issue to all the women I had relations with during this time? Thank you.

A Ji Shi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/08/23

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Dr.
Aki: Hello.
1.
For general urethritis, antibiotics should be used for 10-14 days.
2.
It is recommended to undergo sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, and regardless of the results, all sexual partners should be informed to undergo appropriate testing.
3.
Due to the window period, it is necessary to retest for STIs after 3 months and again after 1 year.
Only if all tests are negative can one say there is no HIV infection.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Answers from the internet should only be used as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at healthcare facilities when necessary.
This message is from the Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, expressing concern for you.
Response by Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Chief of Urology.

Reply Date: 2012/08/23

More Info

It sounds like you’re going through a very concerning situation regarding your sexual health, especially after having multiple partners without consistent protection. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that engaging in unprotected sex increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and your symptoms suggest that you may be experiencing an infection.

Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you described—itching under the glans, a sensation of something in the urethra, and pain during urination—are concerning and could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or an STD. The fact that you have been informed about a partner testing positive for chlamydia and HPV (human papillomavirus) heightens the urgency of your situation. The white discharge you mentioned could also be a sign of an infection, possibly urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra often caused by STDs.

Importance of Medical Follow-Up
Given your symptoms and the potential exposure to STDs, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider as soon as possible. While you are currently taking Ulexin (which is an antibiotic that can be effective against certain bacterial infections, including gonorrhea), it’s important to ensure that you are being treated for the correct infection. If your symptoms have not improved after two days of taking the medication, you should definitely return to your doctor for further evaluation. They may need to adjust your treatment based on the results of your tests and your ongoing symptoms.

Communication with Partners
Regarding whether you should inform your sexual partners about your situation, it is ethically and morally responsible to communicate with them, especially since one of your partners has tested positive for an STD. Informing them allows them to seek testing and treatment, which is crucial for their health and the health of any future partners. This can be a difficult conversation, but it is necessary to prevent further transmission of STDs.

Testing and Treatment
You mentioned that you have undergone testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and that results will take some time. It’s important to wait for these results to determine the exact nature of your infection. In the meantime, continue taking the prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, or any new symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Preventive Measures
In the future, consider using condoms consistently with all partners to reduce the risk of STDs. Regular testing for STDs is also recommended, especially if you have multiple partners. This not only protects your health but also the health of your partners.

Conclusion
In summary, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms and treatment. Communicate with your partners about the potential risks, and take preventive measures moving forward. Your health is paramount, and addressing these concerns promptly will help ensure that you receive the care you need.

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