Chlamydia is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. With approximately 1.7 people in the US affected by this infection, two thirds of them are in age range between 15 and 24. Many aren’t aware that they are affected by Chlamydia since the infection doesn’t exhibit symptoms for everyone.
Some are diagnosed when they take an STD test because of experiencing symptoms like discharge or pain while others know they have Chlamydia only after their routine health check up. Antibiotics help in treating the infection, but it doesn’t prevent it from reoccurring. Regular testing is necessary to identify an infection.
Identify the infection:
Get tested at same day testing centers. Schedule an appointment with Sonora Quest Laboratories, Chandler to check for Chlamydia infection. They are CLIA certified and your privacy is their priority.
Can I use over-the-counter drugs?
They aren’t effective and should be avoided. The drugs may make you feel more uncomfortable. Even if you find the discharge to be bothersome, it will clear up after you start prescription treatment.
Symptoms experienced by women:
Only about 5 to 30% of women with Chlamydia were found to experience symptoms. The symptoms are:
- Clear or colored, thin or thick vaginal discharge
- Redness
- Swelling
- Burning
- Itching of vaginal area
- Pain and burning with urination
- Increase in urination frequency
If the infection travels to pelvis, back pain, abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms are experienced.
Symptoms experienced by men:
- Only about 10% of men with Chlamydia experiences symptoms. The symptoms include:
- Pain and burning with urination
- Increase in urination frequency
- Discharge from penis
- Redness, itching and swelling around the opening of the penis
- Pain with ejaculation
If the infection travels to the epididymis, pain and swelling would be experienced in one or both testicles.
Causes for the occurrence of Chlamydia:
The infection is transmitted through secretions and occurs through oral, vaginal and anal sex. The bacteria could also be passed on to infant during vaginal delivery if the mother has Chlamydia. Chlamydia behaves more like a virus rather than bacterium. It is an obligate intracellular parasite which implies it has to stay inside the host cell to reproduce.
Treatment of complications:
Antibiotics are used to treat complications. If the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is mild, it is treated like any other uncomplicated genital infection. If PID gets severe, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics would be required. PID may also result in puss which has to be drained. Those who are facing infertility due to PID have to undergo surgery to remove scar tissue.
Women with PID are more at a risk of ectopic pregnancy and careful monitoring is hence required. If the infection leads to chronic pelvic pain in men/women, a combination of modalities is used.
Remember to always practice safe sex and talk to your partners about STDs and their history of infections. Take frequent screenings and stay healthy.
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