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 parent 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
Testing
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. It is recommended that you avoid alcohol use during treatment.