OVERCOMING SEXUAL HEALTH CHALLENGES:
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevalent among both genders. It can lead to long-lasting harm to the female reproductive system, resulting in difficulties conceiving or complete infertility. Chlamydia may also lead to a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, where the fetus develops outside the uterus.
How is Chlamydia spread?
Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner. It's important to note that ejaculation is not a requirement for contracting chlamydia. Furthermore, pregnant individuals who have chlamydia can pass the infection to their newborn during delivery
What are the signs and symptoms?
Chlamydia frequently doesn't present any noticeable symptoms, and even in the absence of symptoms, it can cause severe health complications. In case symptoms are present, they may manifest weeks following sexual contact with an infected person.
Chlamydia can cause irreversible harm to the female reproductive system even when asymptomatic.
Symptoms in women may include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
Men may experience the following symptoms:
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles, although this is uncommon
Both men and women can contract chlamydia in their rectum through receptive anal sex or spread from another infected area, such as the vagina. Although these infections frequently cause no symptoms, they can result in the following:
- Rectal discomfort
- Discharge
- Bleeding
Treatment and Diagnosis
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, if your sexual partner displays symptoms of an STD, visit a healthcare provider. Symptoms may include:
- Abnormal sore
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Burning sensation during urination
- Spotting between menstrual cycles
A healthcare provider can diagnose chlamydia using laboratory tests. They may require a urine sample for testing or request that you provide a vaginal sample using a cotton swab.