Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Untreated, it can lead to complications and can stay dormant in the body for years. Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent and treat chlamydia. If you’re infected with chlamydia, you may not even know it. That’s because chlamydia doesn’t always have visible symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get tested for chlamydia regularly. Here’s everything you need to know about chlamydia, its symptoms, and testing.
What Is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive organs. It is passed from one person to another during sexual activity. Most people with chlamydia do not have symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to permanent damage to the reproductive organs. It is also a leading cause of infertility in women. However, there are cases where the infection goes unnoticed, and a person can carry the infection for years without knowing it. Chlamydia is also known as the “silent killer” because it can cause long-term damage to the reproductive organs.
Where Can You Get A Chlamydia Infection?
When people think about sexually transmitted infections, they typically assume that it only affects a person’s genitals; however, you can contract chlamydia in more than one area of your body. It can also infect the throat, rectum, genitals, or eyes. It’s easily spread through sexual activity with an infected partner if you are exposed to infected fluids. But, if you get treated early, you won’t have long-term consequences.
Common Symptoms
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that is easily curable with antibiotics. While most people with chlamydia experience no symptoms and are able to resolve the infection on their own, some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms. If you get a chlamydia infection, you may have a few of the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in your pelvic area and lower back.
- Pain during urination and a sense of pelvic pressure.
- A strong, often involuntary, urge to urinate urine that you can’t control
- Vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods
When you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor. You may need a test to confirm or exclude a chlamydia infection.
What To Expect When You Get Tested?
There are different tests to test for chlamydia. The most common is a swab of the urethra for microscopy urine culture or urine sample, which can be performed by your doctor during an STI test, or you can purchase a urine sample kit and self-test at home.
What Is The Treatment?
As chlamydia is a bacterial infection, the most common treatment is antibiotics, which reduce the level of the infection and clear the body of the bacteria. How long you need to take antibiotics to clear the infection will be determined by your doctor and the severity of your case.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, infecting millions of people every year. If left untreated, it is likely to have long-term and significant consequences. Symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild or so unnoticed that they do not prompt the individual to seek medical attention or treatment. The most common treatment is antibiotics, which reduce the level of the infection and clear the body of the bacteria.