All you Need to Know About Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can pass from one person to another through oral, vaginal and anal sex. It is caused by the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.
Facts You Should Know
In the initial stage, those infected with chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms. So, if you are sexually active, it’s good to get tested.
Chlamydia treatment is simple and it can be treated with a short course of antibiotics.
If left untreated, the problem can grow bigger and the chances of passing the infection to others also increase. Moreover, the presence of this disease increases the likelihood being infected by HIV.
Symptoms
Generally people with chlamydia experience no symptoms. In certain cases, symptoms do appear after about one-four weeks of the infection and sometimes it takes a number of months to appear. If a woman is infected with chlamydia she may experience the following:
- Inflamed womb
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Pain in lower abdomen during sex
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse Painful or heavier period and bleeding between periods
If a man is infected with chlamydia he may suffer with symptoms like:
- A white watery discharge from penis
- Pain in the testicles and pain while urinating
If you notice and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or if you are a sexually active person with multiple sex partners, you should go for a chlamydia test that can be diagnosed with a lab test including a urine sample.
Dos and Don’ts
Dos
- Chlamydia spreads by sexual contact. So, it’s always advisable to decrease the risk by using condoms
- Sexually active people should often visit health centres to test for chlamydia
- If you are pregnant, it’s advisable to get tested for chlamydia during your first prenatal visit
- Follow the proper treatment prescribed by your doctor
- The possibility of a repeat infection cant be overlooked in case of chlamydia, so you should get a test done again, about three months after treatment
Don’ts
- Avoid unprotected sex
- If you are infected with chlamydia, avoid further sexual contact
- Don’t delay the treatments, once diagnosed with chlamydia