What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia
is a very common STI that is caused by a bacterium. If detected on
time, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics; however, chlamydia is
very serious if left untreated. In women, it can lead to pelvic
inflammatory disease (an infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes and
ovaries) which can cause infertility or tubal pregnancy (pregnancy in
the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus). In men, the infection can
spread to the testicles or prostate gland and may cause sterility (not
being able to father a child).
Some symptoms in women may include:
- A new or different discharge from the vagina
- Lower abdominal pain
- Unusual pain or bleeding during or after sex
Some symptoms in men may include:
- A cloudy or milky discharge from the penis
- Pain in the testicles
- Pain in the lower abdomen
70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms and
may not realize they have it. Testing for chlamydia is done by either
taking a swab of the suspected infected area or through a urine test.
Treatment:
If you are being treated for
chlamydia, your sexual partner needs to be treated as well. Chlamydia
can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Avoid alcohol use during
treatment.