Chlamydia is an infection that is acquired through sexual activity. The vaginal fluid, semen from the penis and the blood carry the bacteria called Chlamydia trachoma is. Through sexual contact, the bacteria enter the body that causes the infection. On men, the bacteria infect the urethra while in women it infects the urethra and cervix which can spread to the reproductive organs. This is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
If treated right away, Chlamydia will not cause any serious problem but when left untreated, it will cause to more serious health problem especially in women. It can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if it is left untreated in women. Serious infection will make it impossible for women to conceive. Often times, a woman with Chlamydia causes serious health problem to their babies. Mothers infected with the bacteria pass the infection to the newborn while giving birth. Once the infection reaches the baby’s eyes, it causes blindness or it can also lead to problems like pneumonia which could be fatal to newborns.
Most people who are infected with the disease often don’t experience any symptoms. However, Chlamydia symptoms occur such as pain when urinating, abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis or cloudy urine. Since there are times that you do not have any symptoms, you can spread the bacteria when you have sexual activity with your partner without knowing it. The person infected with the disease is contagious the person is treated.
A person who has Chlamydia will undergo series of tests. Most often they will take your urine sample, a swab from the cervix and the urethra area. You doctor will ask some personal questions like your sexual history and how many partners you had, Likewise, a medical examination will be conducted as well to look for signs of infection. Since, it does not usually show symptoms, it will be advisable to get tested every year. This should be done when the person is sexually active and in mid-twenties or even younger.
As soon as you are diagnosed with the disease, Chlamydia treatment should be given in the form of antibiotics. You have to take the medication religiously for a week up to ten days. Most often, the infection will be resolved within a week or two. During the period that you are under medication, you should abstain from sex. Your sexual partner must also undergo the same treatment so that you won’t have to pass the infection back and forth. However, if a person has been cured from the infection, it does not mean that you are not immune against possible infection in the near future.
You will be protected from getting sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia if you practice safe sex and with only one partner at a time. Every time you have sex with another person, you are prone of getting Chlamydia.