Chlamydia

Q: In Men, It Can Spread to the Epididymis, the Tube That Connects the Testicle with the Vas Deferens, Resulting 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 When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers. Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.

Worried you may have Chlamydia? 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, and can be contracted 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 may not only cause a delay in diagnosis and treatment but may also make it easier for the disease to spread.

Symptoms in Men

Symptoms in Women

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 It?

Testing 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.

How Is It Treated?

Yes, after detection through a standard STD test, Chlamydia can be treated with a simple, one-time dose of prescription antibiotics.

What Happens if Left Untreated?

Left Untreated, Chlamydia Can Cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in Women, Which Can Lead to Infertility.

If left untreated, Chlamydia can spread to the uterus and harm a woman’s sexual health. In the uterus, it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and a reproductive organs, particularly the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. This can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies.

When PID results from the infection, women may experience mild symptoms, even though serious damage is happening to their reproductive organs. Because the symptoms are often vague, the infection may go unnoticed by both women and healthcare providers.

Symptoms of PID include lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular menstrual bleeding, and rarely, pain in the right upper abdomen.

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, It Can Spread to the Epididymis, the Tube That Connects the Testicle with the Vas Deferens, Resulting 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

Book an Appointment for Low Cost 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/chlamydia/about/index.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfactchlamydia.htm