Last Updated on June 4, 2020 by Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH
STDs – in this case, chlamydia – do not discriminate against race, gender, age, or class; they happen to everyone, and usually, unexpectedly. Sometimes, they’re the result of a partner being unfaithful, sometimes they happen in long-term committed relationships, they even happen to folks who consistently and correctly practice safer sex. If you’re sexually active, there’s a risk of contracting an infection.
However, most people are still surprised when it happens to them – understandably so, because there’s a lack of awareness and comprehensive education surrounding all things related to sexual health. STIs/STDs are no different. These interviews help to lessen that shock. Thank you, interviewee, for sharing your story so others know they are not alone.
1. How old are you?
24
2. What do you do for a living?
I work as a Veterinary Technician.
3. What STI/STD do you have/have you had?
Chlamydia
4. How long have you had or known you have an STI/STD?
I just found out yesterday, but I’ve probably had it for about 4-6 months. That’s about the time frame I was intimate with my ex.
I didn’t even know I had it until I went in for my annual exam. They had given me Flagyl for a minor BV infection which brought out the dormant symptoms of the STD. After a week of taking Flagyl, I experienced severe itching and burning to the point where even walking was a nuisance. I never had discharge or an odor, so I assumed it was just a bad yeast infection from the antibiotic. But the irritation never subsided even with Monistat or Cortisone Feminine Relief.
Then, a week later, I got the dreaded call. ‘Your chlamydia cultures test results came back positive.’ I was beside myself.
5. Do you know how you contracted this STI/STD?
My ex-boyfriend, who apparently, had been unfaithful with his ex-girlfriend while we were together.
I didn’t find out until after we broke up. Looking back, I’m pretty sure his ex wasn’t the only one he was messing around with while we dated.
6. How has your life changed since you contracted an STI/STD?
It effects my overall self-esteem. I feel embarrassed, ashamed, disgusting, sleazy, and just awful.
Above all else, I feel betrayed because someone I once loved infected me and didn’t even have the respect to inform me of it.
7. Do the people who know you have an STI/STD treat you differently than they treated you before they knew?
The only people I told are my mother and my current boyfriend.
My mom was supportive of me and just reassured me its something that can easily be cured.
As for my bf, I told him immediately since we had sexual intercourse for the first time 3 days ago. He was in shock, didn’t say much, and I don’t blame him. I felt the exact same way when I found out. I haven’t heard from him since I told him earlier today.
8. Are you currently under treatment for your STI/STD? If so, please share whether you have explored prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or holistic and natural approaches.
Yes, I took the antibiotic Zithromax as prescribed this evening. Four hours after taking it I had severe nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting as a side effect. My stomach is still upset, and I have to refrain from sex for 7 days, but now that I might be newly single, I don’t plan on having sex anytime soon.
9. Has having an STI/STD hindered past relationships?
This is the first STD I have ever had, but I can say yes, it has probably ruined my current relationship.
10. Do you have a significant other? If so, how has this STI/STD affected your partner?
Even though he knows its not my fault, he just can’t shake the fact that I gave him an STD. He’s in the military and has a reputation to maintain, so its just as humiliating for him as it was for me, if not, more.
11. Have you been sexually active with someone since contracting an STI/STD whom you did not tell you had an STI/STD?
I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend one time, days before I got the call back with my test results. I told him as soon as I found out though.
12. How have you changed as a result of contracting an STI/STD?
It’s opened my eyes.
Truly, now I know that trusting someone is not enough to save you from contracting an STD. No matter how ‘clean’ they may seem, I plan to always use protection, and get tested after each partner to prevent any chances of this happening again.
13. Why are you choosing to participate in this interview and/or is there anything else you would like to share with us?
To let people who are in my situation know they are not alone; it happens everyday, to all kinds of people. STDs do not discriminate against race, age, or gender.
Stay protected or stay abstinent – best advice I can give.
Can you relate to this interviewee? Did it help you to read someone else’s story? Have you experienced something similar or do you have some feedback to share with this individual? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
