You’re fairly certain you have chlamydia. You’ve scoured the Internet, and it seems that the most common chlamydia symptoms are spot on with what you’re experiencing. And don’t worry, more than 200,000 people are diagnosed with this STD in the United States per year.
But the best way to protect yourself is to have a full understanding of chlamydia and what it entails.
Chlamydia Definition
Very similar in nature to gonorrhea, chlamydia is an infection that is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria.
The most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States, chlamydia can infect both men and women.
And the symptoms can vary from a man and woman (more on this soon).
Many cases of chlamydia go unreported because the infected person does not exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms are not present, the person is still in danger as the infection is allowed to fester.
Permanent damage can result from not getting treatment, including damage to a woman’s fallopian tubes. Other female-related concerns, include:
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Low birth weight
- Preterm labor
Seeking out treatment is the best course of action if you have any chlamydia symptoms – it will not get better on its own. It’s also important to get tested for chlamydia on a regular basis, typically every three months, if you have multiple sex partners.
What Causes Chlamydia?
The causes of chlamydia all revolve around sexual intercourse. The bacteria are spread through intercourse to the partner that becomes infected.
Bacteria can reside in the following areas:
- Vagina
- Urethra
- Rectum
- Cervix
- Throat
What does this mean?
You can contract chlamydia from virtually every type of sexual contact:
- Anal
- Oral
- Vaginal
If your partner is infected and you have had any of the above sexual contact with him or her, it’s time to get tested.
Younger people that are sexually active are at higher risk of contracting chlamydia from a partner.
Note: You can get this STD even after treatment. Recurring infections can occur. You and your partner(s) need to be tested and treated to ensure that the infection does not continue to be spread.
Mothers can pass this disease to their unborn child. As the baby is passed through the vaginal canal, they can contract chlamydia from their mother. The baby may suffer from pneumonia and eye damage as a result.
If you think you may have chlamydia, it’s important to get tested and seek treatment as soon as possible.
