Chlamydia

In the 2017 reports surfaced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was indicated that almost 20 million people were affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) [1] in the United States.

Of 20 million, 10% people have Chlamydia, and the prone sect is 15-24 years old women [2].

What is Chlamydia?

It is a sexually transmitted infection which infects the vagina, penis, anus, cervix, and urethra.

It’s caused by the strain of chlamydia bacteria— Chlamydia trachomatis.

Symptoms

It comes up with no visible symptom.

Since it’s difficult to trace its symptoms, the infected person seems fine and doesn’t realize that he has been infected.

However, with the passing weeks, few symptoms give its hint.

Symptom in women

  1. They are hit by pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID). Specific examinations prove that PID may accompany diseases like ovarian cancer and infertility [3].
  2. Chronic pelvic pain
  3. Disseminated effect on eyes and throat
  4. Liquid discharge from the vagina

Symptom in men

  1. Urethral infection
  2. Tender testicles
  3. Engorged testicles
  4. Caucasian-cloudy discharge from the apex of the penis
  5. Burning sensation during micturition
  6. Pain in the testicle region

Causes

  1. Like any other sexually transmitted diseases, Chlamydia is the result of unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex with the affected partner.
  2. The worst part about it is that it can happen even when semen or vaginal liquid doesn’t transfer.
  3. In a rare condition, it can happen through eyes or mouth if the bacterial liquid is in your hand and you come in contact with it.
  4. The infected mother may also pass it to her child.

There’s no threat of Chlamydia while hugging, kissing, sneezing, or any physical intimacy which is not related to sexual activity.

When do you need Chlamydia testing?

Your sexual indulgence is the key to any STI.

If you are sexually active, ensure that you are open to talk out the details with your doctor and undergo the required tests for Chlamydia.

You should undergo Chlamydia testing when

  1. If you are a woman (below 25) and have a new sex partner
  2. If you are a woman (below 25) and multiple sex partners
  3. If you become pregnant below 25 years of age and have new or multiple sex partners
  4. If you are gay or bisexual and have sex with numerous men

The risk of Chlamydia increases while having the sexual workout with the multiple partners.

People with multiple sex partners should test it every quarter or 6 months.

The other risks of Chlamydia

The STI disease like Chlamydia facilitates a favorable environment for the transmission of other STI diseases like HIV [4].

The uncontrolled chlamydia furnishes the perfect condition for making HIV disease more infectious.

If uncontrolled, the viral load of HIV in genital fluid surges causing more harm than the anticipated.

Treating Chlamydia

Chlamydia is addressed through antibiotic therapies.

Oral antibiotics like Azithromycin barres bacterias from producing the proteins which are necessary for their survival.

Generally, doctors also entice the other partner for chlamydia screening and treatment.

In case of high risk, for higher bioavailability of the drug, antibiotics are inserted in the veins through the injections.

After three months of therapy, both the partners should re-consult the doctor and monitor the effect of antibiotics.

The bacterial infection usually goes after 7-10 days of the therapy.

It’s strictly advised to finish up the course because negligence may give the growth-room to the bacterias once again.

A lot of STD cases go undiagnosed and unreported— either due to the lack of symptom or due to the shame circling it.

We want to tell you that there’s nothing more precious than your life.

Your shame may prevent you from the undesirable humiliation but would snatch your standard of living.