Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia

Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia

If you’ve ever known someone who contracted an STD, chances are it was chlamydia. That’s because chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the USA today. (So technically chlamydia isn’t an STD; it’s an STI.) Indeed, the CDC estimates that around three million people a year contract chlamydia. While that number is certainly alarming, we’re here to take a closer look at this most common of all STIs. Namely, what are the symptoms of chlamydia, who’s most at risk, and what are your treatment options if you do have chlamydia? Consider this your one-stop guide to dealing with chlamydia.

Symptoms

Part of the reason why chlamydia is so widespread is that it tends not to manifest itself very much –– if at all. (The word chlamydia comes from the Greek word for “cloak.”) Most people with chlamydia won’t experience any outward symptoms of the infection, though, that doesn’t mean chlamydia is completely asymptomatic. Women who exhibit symptoms of chlamydia may experience pain during urination, vaginal discharge, and inflammation of the eye. In rare instances, women may feel nauseous or experience abdominal pain. Chlamydia is even less likely to exhibit symptoms in men. However, men with chlamydia will occasionally experience pain during urination, or rectal pain or bleeding.

Who’s Most at Risk?

In brief, women –– especially young women. About five percent of women between the ages of 14 and 24 have chlamydia –– by leaps and bounds a higher rate than any other demographic. The good news about chlamydia is that it typically isn’t fatal –– around 200 people in the world died of chlamydia in 2015, for instance. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a serious infection. The real problem with chlamydia occurs when those infected leave it untreated. If unaddressed, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, cause complications during pregnancy, or infertility, and in repeated instances may lead to blindness. Plus, women who’ve contracted chlamydia are statistically more likely to get HIV. That’s why it’s so vital to get tested regularly for STDs and STIs.

Options with Chlamydia

If you know you’ve got chlamydia –– relax. You’ve completed just about the hardest part of the process for dealing with the infection. Chlamydia is curable. In fact, really easily curable. In some cases a single dose of antibiotics is enough to cure chlamydia. The key here is to ensure that you take all of the medication prescribed to you, and that you notify your sexual partners of your diagnosis and advise them to get tested/seek treatment. Otherwise chlamydia can spread unchecked.

Your Health and Wellness

Chlamydia can be transmitted orally, anally, vaginally, and from pregnant mother to infant during childbirth. So while it’s very easy to get chlamydia, it’s also relatively easy to deal with.  If you’re worried about your health following a sexual encounter –– don’t wait another minute. Find the nearest testing clinic and get tested. Unlike other testing alternatives, you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving the most up-to-date and comprehensive tests The important thing to remember is to get tested early and often. If you’re experiencing symptoms of chlamydia, or if it’s just been a few months since your last test, don’t hesitate to call us at 844-394-8520. We can help you identify any problems you may face and get your peace of mind back once and for all.