Chlamydia is a very common bacterial STD that can affect both men and women. It is spread through sex and although it can be treated, it can cause very serious health conditions if left untreated. The only way to be sure and prevent a chlamydia infection is to abstain from sex. Using protection such as condoms and having sex with only one partner will reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia.
The rate of chlamydia infection is higher than any other STD in the United States and it is estimated that there are up to 3 million cases each year. Many of these cases are unreported, however, as many people have no symptoms and do not realize they have been infected until the bacteria has spread to cause more severe problems.
Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia
Many people who contract chlamydia report having no symptoms at all and may not even realize they have been infected. There is a higher prevalence of asymptomatic infection in women than men, but it is common for both genders to become infected without obvious signs. When a person does develop symptoms, there are some common things that alone or in combination can help a health care provider recognize and diagnose chlamydia. Signs and symptoms in women include:
- Inflammation of the cervix
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Painful sexual intercourse
Symptoms can be different for men and include:
- Yellow or green discharge from the penis
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles, though this is less common
People can also contract anal chlamydia. The main symptoms of this type of chlamydia infection include pain, discharge and bleeding from the rectal area.
Causes of Chlamydia Infections
Chlamydia is spread from one person to another through vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person. Any exchange of fluids puts a person at risk, even if the male partner does not ejaculate. Simply touching genitals together can sometimes be enough to spread the bacteria that causes chlamydia.
In addition to sexual contact, babies can contract chlamydia through childbirth as well. Often, a pregnant mother and her newborn are both tested for chlamydia to be sure the baby is treated immediately if infected. Chlamydia infection in newborns typically involves eye infection and pneumonia, both of which require immediate attention and treatment. After being treated for chlamydia, a person can become infected again. Treatment only cures the current infection and a person does not build up immunity after infection.
Treatment of Chlamydia
The good news is that chlamydia is a treatable STD. Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial infection that is easily treated with antibiotics. There are several different antibiotics which can be used and prescribed. One thing to remember after taking the prescribed medication for chlamydia is that it may take up to two weeks to completely clear up no matter which medication or dose is given. This means that a person needs to take care not to infect others during this time. If left untreated, chlamydia infection can cause serious medical conditions. In women, untreated chlamydia may cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and even infertility from scar tissue. In men, the untreated infection may cause urethral infection, swollen and tender testicles and prostate concerns.