Chlamydia is a widely prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) brought on by bacteria. Chlamydia patients often show no visible symptoms in the early stages of the disease. It’s believed that between 40 and 96% of chlamydia patients show no signs. Later on, chlamydia can potentially harm your health.
It’s critical to receive routine screenings for chlamydia and to consult your provider if you have any concerns because untreated chlamydia can lead to severe consequences. Here is everything you should know about the STI.
Symptoms of chlamydia
In men
Many men do not recognize the signs of chlamydia as they have zero symptoms. Here are some of the most typical signs of chlamydia in men:
- A burning feeling when urinating
- Lower backache
- Testicular pain
- Yellow or green discharge from the penis
In women
It could take several weeks before a woman experiences symptoms after contracting chlamydia. The following are some of the most typical signs of chlamydia in women:
- Dyspareunia: painful sexual activity
- A burning feeling when urinating
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower abdominal pain
- Cervicitis, an inflammation of the cervix
The infection may progress to the fallopian tubes in particular women, which may result in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a health emergency.The infection may progress to the fallopian tubes in certain women, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a medical emergency PID. PID symptoms include:
- Severe pelvic pain
- Fever
- Irregular vaginal bleeding between cycles
- Nausea
Additionally, chlamydia can infect the rectum. If a woman has a chlamydia infection in the rectum, she cannot exhibit any symptoms. But if a rectal infection develops, symptoms could include bleeding, discharge, and pain.
Causes and risk aspects
A particular bacterial strain known as Chlamydia trachomatis is the cause of STI chlamydia. It can spread by oral, vaginal, or anal sex without a barrier technique, such as a condom, or through vaginal discharge or semen. Women are more likely than men to contract chlamydia. It’s believed that women in the United States infect at a rate two times higher than men overall. Other infection risk factors include the following:
- Not routinely using barrier techniques, such as condoms, with new sexual partners
- Having a sexual partner with a history of chlamydia or another STI
- Having a sexual partner who also engages in sexual activity with other persons
Chlamydia treatment
Chlamydia is curable and easily treatable. Antibiotics can help with chlamydia treatment because it is bacterial in origin. Antibiotic azithromycin is typically provided in a single, substantial dose. It is necessary to take the antibiotic doxycycline twice daily for about a week.
Additionally, a doctor may advise taking additional antibiotics. Any recommended antibiotic should be taken exactly as directed to ensure the illness is completely treated. Even with the single-dose drugs, this could take up to two weeks.
It’s crucial to avoid sexual relations while receiving treatment. Even if you’ve already cured a prior illness, you risk contracting and spreading chlamydia if exposed again.
The takeaway
Ensure you practice protected sex to eliminate the chances of exposure to chlamydia.