Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease. It often has no symptoms and it very easily treated.
It is easily spread so using condoms offer a good barrier against it. Chlamydia is an infection caused by a kind of bacteria passed during sexual contact. It is more common now than ever before, with young people more sexually active, people having sex younger and people traveling and not taking precautions. Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eye, or in some cases even the throat.
What are the symptoms?
Usually there are none! That’s the daunting thing… Most people are not even aware that they have the infection. If you do get symptoms, it is usually 5-10 days after contracting the infection.
Woman can experience :
• abdominal pain
• abnormal vaginal discharge
• bleeding
• fever
• painful intercourse
• pain or a burning feeling while urinating
• the urge to urinate more than usual
• vaginal bleeding after intercourse
• a yellowish discharge from the cervix that may have a strong smell
Men can suffer from:
• pain or a burning feeling while urinating
• pus or watery or milky discharge from the penis
• swollen or tender testicles
• swelling around the anus
How am I tested?
A chlamydia test is done on either a urine sample or fluid (direct sample) collected from the area of the body that is most likely to be infected.
For men: Your doctor will insert a swab into the opening of your urethra or rectum. This may cause mild discomfort.
For women: Your doctor will insert a lubricated speculum into your vagina. You will lie down and place your feet into stirrups.
What are the treatments?
If you find out you have chlamydia, don\’t panic! A course of antibiotics will need to be taken right away. You may need to be re-tested after 3-4 months. Make sure you and your partner are cured of the infection before having intercourse, as you may infect each other. You can get tested at any local clinics and health departments.
What happens if I don\’t treat chlamydia?
If it goes untreated, it may become a serious threat to your health. Chlamydia can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) and can affect the chances of women getting pregnant.
If you think you may have chlamydia, or are unsure, contact your doctor to get a test.
Author Rita Galimberti Femplus Clinic