for the moment my partner reported that he was okay with it, but I don’t know if he did any tests, as far as I know officially with his previous long-term partner he had intercourse about 8 months before he started intercourse with me), for about 3 years of our relationship we didn’t have any problems, we did routine tests like usg, cytology etc, but not STDs. Suddenly, after 3 years, I began to struggle with bacterial and fungal infections which lasted for weeks, my partner also complained of ailments and was treated along with me, but after 2-3 months of antibiotic therapy we repeated tests. At that point, my cytology, ultrasound, tests for fungi, bacteria and hpv came out negative, same for partner, however, he came out positive with chlamydia trachomatis, his doctor assured him that there was a possibility that he caught it at the pool or sauna(I already know this is not possible thanks to your page), I didn’t do the test at the time and we both(assuming that I already have it from my partner anyway) got antibiotics anyway. He was prompted to take a test for chlamydia, among other things, by his apparent symptoms. My question is whether it is possible for chlamydia to be dormant for about 3 years and only suddenly come out between us? Due to the fact that the first test for chlamydia was after 3 years of relationship, I don’t know if my partner could have had it earlier. Six months later, the partner was again experiencing some discomfort, so I did a package of tests for fungi, bacteria, chlamydia and HPV plus an ultrasound and cytology, everything came back negative except HPV16 on the cervix, which can also supposedly incubate for a long time, but I’m assuming that since it wasn’t on the test six months before it already came back positive it must have appeared during those six months after contact with the third person, right? Even if it was dormant (meaning I understand he was there just that asymptomatic) it would come out in the test right? I would really like some clarification on those topics, thanks in advance.
We are glad you reached out to us with your concerns. It’s not easy to navigate these kinds of situations. It’s clear that you’ve been careful with your health, and it’s understandable that this experience is causing concern and confusion.
Starting your sexual life with your first and only partner, it’s natural to assume that the risk of STIs would be low, especially if you both hadn’t experienced any problems for the first three years. However, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can sometimes remain dormant or asymptomatic. Regarding chlamydia, it is possible for it to remain dormant in the body for years without causing noticeable symptoms. Your partner’s positive test result after three years together doesn’t necessarily mean the infection is new; it could have been present and undetected, possibly from before your relationship started. The idea that it could have been contracted from a pool or sauna is highly unlikely, as chlamydia is almost exclusively transmitted through sexual contact.
As for the HPV16, the virus can indeed lie dormant for long periods. A negative test result six months ago doesn’t necessarily mean the virus wasn’t present; it just might not have been detected at that time. HPV can remain inactive and undetectable until something triggers its activity, which might explain the recent positive result.
It’s important to continue the dialogue with your partner and your healthcare provider. Regular testing and honest conversations about health are key to navigating these situations. A full STI screening (testing for everything) is the best way to stay informed of your status and treat anything that may be present. STI testing is available at all physician clinics, community clinics and hospitals in Manitoba. Your health and peace of mind are important, so please don’t hesitate to seek further advice and support.
