Chlamydia
Worried you may have an STD? Book an appointment for low-cost STD testing at an Obria Medical Clinic near you.
It’s important to look out for your own well-being, and that includes getting tested for STDs. It’s better to know for sure so you can take care of yourself and your partner(s), and most STDs are treatable. It’s the responsible and caring thing to do. So, take control of your health and schedule that test – it’s a simple step towards a healthier you and safer relationship.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, especially among people under 25. It is spread through vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and oral sex. Chlamydia is an infection that is spread “fluid to fluid,” meaning an infected person’s secretions need to come in contact with the mucous membranes or bloodstream of another. This means you can contract Chlamydia without penetration. This disease can even be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.
How do I know if I have Chlamydia?
Even if you have Chlamydia, you may not show any symptoms.
Since most people infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms, it is often called the “Silent Disease.” Lack of symptoms of a Chlamydia infection may not only cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment but may also make it easier for the disease to spread.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
The symptoms of Chlamydia (if present) in men are:
- Swollen or overly–sensitive testicles
- Painful urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Rectal inflammation
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women
- Vaginal discharge
- Painful urination
Any unusual discharge, burning during urination or pain, particularly in the groin area, should be a signal to stop all sexual activity and visit a doctor immediately.
How do you test for Chlamydia?
Testing for Chlamydia is carried out via urine test, by taking a sample of first stream urine. If you are experiencing symptoms of Chlamydia on the mouth or anus, we can refer you to a low-cost clinic for additional testing.
Is Chlamydia treatable?
Yes, after detection through a standard STD test, Chlamydia can be treated with a simple, one-time dose of prescription antibiotics.
What happens if Chlamydia is left untreated?
If you have Chlamydia it is important that you seek treatment before it results in permanent damage to your health.
Left untreated, chlamydia can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility.
Left untreated, Chlamydia can spread into the uterus and adversely affect a woman’s sexual health: in the uterus it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and damage a woman’s reproductive organs, especially the fallopian tubes, which carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus. This could cause infertility problems and/or ectopic pregnancies.
When PID is caused by a Chlamydial infection, a woman may be more likely to experience only mild symptoms of the disease even when serious damage is being done to her reproductive organs. Due to its vague symptoms, the infection may go unrecognized by women and their healthcare providers.
Women who do have symptoms of PID most commonly have lower abdominal pain. Other signs and symptoms include fever, unusual vaginal discharge that may have a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and pain in the right upper abdomen (rare).
In pregnant women, untreated Chlamydia can cause pregnancy complications and lead to health issues in infants.
There is evidence that a Chlamydial infection in a pregnant woman can lead to premature delivery. Babies born to infected mothers can also get Chlamydial infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts. The disease is a leading cause of early infant pneumonia and conjunctivitis (pink eye) in newborns.
In men, Chlamydia left untreated can spread to the epididymis, the tube that connects the testicle with the vas deferens. This can result in sterility or increased likelihood of HIV transmission.
Symptoms include:
- Blood in the semen
- Discharge from the urethra (the opening at the end of the penis)
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Fever
- Severe groin pain
- Lump in the testicle
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination
- Painful scrotal swelling (epididymis is enlarged)
- Tender, swollen groin area on affected side
- Testicle pain that worsens during a bowel movement
Worried you may have Chlamydia? Book an appointment for STD testing or treatment today.
It is important to take control of your health and prevent the spread of diseases. Obria offers education on STDs like Chlamydia, as well as low-cost STD Testing and treatment. If you believe you may have Chlamydia, please schedule an appointment at an Obria Medical Clinic near you for a low-cost STD test.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 12). Chlamydia – CDC Basic Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfactchlamydia.htm#:~:text=Men%20rarely%20have%20health%20problems,of%20getting%20or%20giving%20HIV.