Chlamydia, all you need to know

# Chlamydia: all you need to know

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can be caused by the bacterium **Chlamydia trachomatis** and, for men as well as women, is frequently asymptomatic. Chlamydia Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by certain types of bacteria, it can cause serious health problems if not treated(complications are infertility in both men and women, PID(HIV/ AIDS). This article offers an overview of Chlamydia the risks associated with it, how signs can show up, testing for infection; as well as methods to manage the condition, for instance self-testing by using rapid test kits.

About Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common, sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria that is spread through vaginalsexual contact v and other types of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral sex). It can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during child birth, which can result in complications such as eye infections or pneumonia in newborns. While the infection is widespread, most with Chlamydia don’t have symptoms, so early detection and screening are important.

Chlamydia can be transmitted to both men and women and areas that are frequently infected include the cervix, urethra, rectum and throat. Complications Women are more susceptible to complications of gonorrhea such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility, whereas men may experience pain or discomfort, especially when urinating or during sex.

Infection/Risks

Chlamydia is mainly spread by sexual contact and some risk factors for infection are:

* Having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone who is infected.

* Multiple sexual partners

* Having a previous STI, such as Chlamydia

* Having a partner who has Chlamydia or STIs NUITKA.

* Age: young people are at increased risk of an infection (particularly women under the age of 25)

* Lack of regular STI testing

The lack of exhibiting any sign allows this infection to hide, leading rise to complications when the condition is left unattended. Untreated Chlamydia can cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) in women, which could lead to infertility, chronic pain and ectopic pregnancies. Complications in men can include epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the tube that transports sperm.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is dubbed a “silent” infection because many people don’t exhibit symptoms. Symptoms When symptoms do occur, they may differ according to the location of infection:

In Women:

* Abnormal vaginal discharge

* Pain during urination

* Pain during sex

* Spotting between periods or after sex

* Lower abdominal pain

In Men:

* Pain or burning during urination

* Discharge from the penis

* Testicular pain and swelling on just one or both sides

In Both Men and Women:

* Pain, discharge or bleeding from the rectum (if infection is introduced via anal sex)

* Sore throat (if the infection came from oral sex)

But remember, you can have the virus and not feel anything. You should get regularly tested for STIs anyway, but regular testing is the best way to prevent chlamydia (especially if you're under 25 and sexually active with multiple partners).

Detection/Testing

The only fool-proof method of knowing if you have Chlamydia is to get tested. Chlamydia can be diagnosed through:

The test itself is easy and fast, and in general painless. If you are sexually active, particularly with new or multiple partners, it is important to take the appropriate precautions and get tested regularly for Chlamydia and other STIs.

Self-Testing with Rapid Test Kits

Self-testing for Chlamydia has become increasingly popular with the availability of home test kits. Normally such kits require the urine to be collected or a swab to be inserted in the vagina and then sent for lab analysis. There are also rapid tests available that can give results in 15-30 minutes. Although convenient, it is essential to see a doctor for verification and treatment since at-home test results are not 100 percent conclusive.

Treatment for Chlamydia

Chlamydia is very well curable through antibiotics. The most widely used drug for treatment is a single dose of the antibiotic azithromycin, or a week’s course of doxycycline. When the antibiotics have been prescribed, take all of their doses even if the symptoms are gone completely to prevent the problem from taking place once again.

**Azithromycin**: 1 g single dose.

**Doxycycline**: Twice a day for seven days.

Sexual contacts must also be tested and treated to reduce the risk of reinfection. People should avoid having sex until they and their sex partners have finished treatment to prevent spreading the infection.

Prevention

The best way to avoid Chlamydia is practicing safe sex. Some preventive measures include:

* Regular use of condoms/dental dams during sex

* Regular screenings for STIs, particularly among individuals that have multiple sexual partners or new partners

* Mutual monogamy: You both have been tested, and you are only having sex with one another.

* Vaccination against other STIs (like Hepatitis B and HPV) within an overall sexual health plan

Conclusion

It is an easily-treatable, but common disease that can cause serious health issues if not diagnosed and treated. Early detection can result in testing and antibiotics that will prevent long-term effects such as infertility and chronic pain. Sexual health awareness, the use of safe sex practices and regular STI testing are important aspects to preventing the transmission of Chlamydia. If you think you might have Chlamydia or if it has been Transmitted to you then get medical treatment and tested because this is not one of those STIs that will ever go away.