What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common and curable bacterial STD infection. It is caused by a bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both man and woman. At least 2.8 million cases of Chlamydia are reported each year with the infection more common among sexually active people. This disease is easily spread since it shows no signs or symptoms (asymptomatic). The infection may be unknowingly passed to a partner. Chlamydia can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
How is it transmitted?
The disease does not necessarily require ejaculation to spread since it spreads through infected fluids and secretions such as pre-semen, semen. It can be passed when comes into contact with sensitive mucous membranes like the penis, vagina, eyes, mouth or anus. Chlamydia infections can also be passed through sharing of sex toys.
What are the symptoms?
As mentioned earlier, people with this disease rarely show any symptoms at all hence the most important thing is to get you tested. Studies show that at least 50 percent of men and 75 percent of women with Chlamydia do not show any signs or symptoms of having this infection. For this reason, this disease is commonly referred to as the “silent infection”. The rare symptoms in men may differ from those in women but generally, men and women should look out for the following signs and symptoms.
Symptoms in Men
Most men with this disease may not experience any symptoms, but for the few who do it is important to look out for the following:
- Abnormal watery, cloudy or white discharge from the penis
- Experiencing a burning sensation while urinating
- Pain and tenderness in the testicles
- Rectal discharge and rectal pain
- Pink eye is also known as Conjunctivitis
Symptoms in Women
For women who have contracted this disease, symptoms may begin to show after 21 days since they got infected. These include:
- Lower back or abdominal pain
- Fever or nausea
- Pain or bleeding during sex
- Spotting or blood flow when one is not in their period
How is it diagnosed?
There are several tests for Chlamydia that is reliable, accurate and very easy to take. You can check with your healthcare provider about the types of tests that they are providing. The testing can also be done at home by ordering a home test online. This is the option for those who don’t like the awkward conversations and the fuss, although it is not a shame to seek help.
How is it treated?
As already mentioned, Chlamydia is a curable condition which requires taking antibiotics. Usually, the doctor prescribes azithromycin or doxycycline, but it also depends on the patients’ needs and condition.
When getting the treatment it is important to:
- Take all the medications (not to stop when the symptoms disappear)
- Both partners should be treated
- Avoid sexual intercourse during the treatment
- Get retested, especially woman because of the high rate of reinfection
Who Is At Risk Of Contracting Chlamydia?
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for this disease since it is one of the most common and highly contagious STD in the population. A person who engages in unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex is at risk for contracting this STD infection, especially persons under the age of 25. Any sexually active person especially female with more than one partner should get tested at least once every year specifically after having unprotected sex with a different partner. Proper use of condoms is important especially for those who are not in monogamous sexual relationships to prevent the spread of this disease.
Health Risks of Contracting Chlamydia
Pregnant women should be more careful to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases especially Chlamydia which if left untreated causes a multitude of threats to a pregnant woman and her baby. Such threats include causing ear and eye infections to the unborn baby as well as a premature birth. Prenatal visits to the doctor will include an STD screening that will check for the presence of any sexually transmitted infection. Untreated Chlamydia may also cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women as well as infertility in men although rarely.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to avoid contracting Chlamydia and they are:
- Abstinence is an absolutely sure way of avoiding an infection
- By practicing safe sex and using condoms you can reduce the risk of infection if used regularly and properly
- Monogamous relationship with a non-infected partner
Your sexual health is a vital part of your general health. The most important thing is to get tested for STD even for a slight suspicion. You shouldn’t neglect the possibilities and the embarrassment shouldn’t stop you.