Chlamydia

[G54]

After talking to the g/f about a problem, the doctor at the hospital told her she has an infection.

She did not know the name but from the medication she has it would appear to be Chlamydia and she has had it for a long time.

Research shows me it is Chlamydia and is an STI (as I suspected) and that means I most likely have it too. (No problem there, I can get checked.)

The problem is that the g/f says she did not dare tell the doctor or the pharmacist we are having sexual relations because she believes the police will arrest her for passing on what she now knows to be an STI.

Is this what happens here or is it simply a tale passed down or a belief brought on from other infections such as HIV etc?

Surely, if this is a more common belief in Thai women, this could have more serious long term implications for both parties, especially the fertility of women and any other sexual partners in the future as both parties have to be treated at the same time?

Not sure if this should be in this section but as it is health related....

edit - can't spell some days.

Edited August 2, 2009 by G54

[jubby]

If there is a law against passing on an STD Knowingly, and There should be IMNSHO its probably not very well enforced as per so many laws.

I know two Thai Ladies who are on the second Farang Husband. The original Thai husband died from the big STD with a little name. The first Farang also was assisted to an early death by the symptoms. But yet they took another stupid farang Husband when the whole province knows they have the STD. maybe a bit of Denial in there somewhere perhaps.

Anyway, Chlamydia's no big deal if its treated I would have thought. Sh*t you should be celebrating your good furtune.

[onnut]

I think the police should be contacted about these two women you know. why dont you say something instead of writting about it on a forum.

[jubby]

I thought it was a very , very common occurence. I just brought it up to highlight that there's possibly a lot of 'denial' going on and the op is probably correct that it has implications for womans health but to put it in perspective he's lucky its only Chlamydia.

Police - you got to be having a laugh - these things are just not talked about but everyone including the Police know. It would also have serious implications for my general health. Not a coward but I've been here long enough to understand that something are none of my business, unfortunately.

[popmybubble]

Does anyone know how long Chlamydia can go undetected? I've read that a lot of people don't show any symptoms at all.

[Sheryl]

Chlamydia is often asymptomatic in women and they can have it for years without knowing it.

I have never heard of anyone in LOS being arrested for transmitting an STI and it would in any case be virtually impossible to prove that it was done knowingly in the case of an often asymptomatic infection like chlamydia

In Thailand as elsewhere communications with a doctor are confidential.

And it can safely be assumed that a doctor who has diagnosed chlamydia in a patient already knows the patient is sexually active! It is perfectly normal as part of receiving health care for an STI to discuss with the physician potential risk of transmission to a current partner, means of prevention etc.

[geriatrickid]

The health care providers are required to collect names so that the sex partners can be contacted and advised. Required as in an SOP, not because they want to arrest or embarass anyone, but to help. Some STIs such as syphilis area reportable in Thailand, just as they are in the west. It would have been highly unlikely you would have been contacted, but the health care providers would have asked to see you or that you be advised so that you could obtain treatment and not be the reservoir that reinfects patient 0. No one is arrested for these infections otherwise there would be one heck of a barrier tossed up preventing treatment and containment of the most prevalent STIs in thailand. Due to cultural taboos or shame many folks are reluctant to provide the names. Nothing new with that.

Look at the good side: She advised you and that's all that matters. In males more often than not it is asymptomatic and often missed in the quick urine tests. The SOP is to treat and not bother with the test when a partner is identified. I have little confidence in the urine tests because the delay between the time the urine is collected and the time it is analyzed often renders an unreliable result. (My personal opinion only.) You will be treated, she will be treated and the 2 of you will refrain from any sexual ativity until both your courses of treatment is completed. You will then join the tens of thousands in any given year that were treated as a couple. You are not alone.

edit: Apologies for repeating most of Sheryl's stuff, posted at same time. Rather than delete and leave a mystery hole, I'll leave this.

Edited August 3, 2009 by geriatrickid

[pluto_manibo]

Half of Pattaya should be arrested!!

[edwardandtubs]

Why only half?