What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), which means you can contract it from sexual intercourse with an infected partner. The bacteria chlamydia trachomatis causes the infection, and chlamydia is prevalent in men and women of all ages.
Approximately one out of every 20 sexually active women ages 14 to 24 has Chlamydia. Getting diagnosed and treated early prevents serious health complications — such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility — from occurring.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Many people infected with chlamydia have no symptoms, at least initially. If symptoms do occur, they usually happen 1-2 weeks after exposure to chlamydia, and might include:
- Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge that may have a strong odor
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Burning or itching near the penis opening in men
- Testicular swelling or pain in men
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
- Bleeding after sex or between periods in women
- Lower abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fever
How is chlamydia spread?
Chlamydia spreads during unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Ejaculation doesn’t have to happen to become infected from a partner. You can get chlamydia even if you’ve been treated for it in the past.
What are the complications of chlamydia?
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause numerous health complications, such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Ectopic pregnancy (fertilized eggs grow outside the uterus)
- Other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and HIV
- Epididymitis in men (infection near the testicles)
- Infertility in women
- Prostate gland infection in men
- Infections in newborns born to infected mothers
- Reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome)
How is chlamydia diagnosed and treated?
If you’re at risk, Dr. Martinez tests you for chlamydia and other STDs, such as gonorrhea, using a simple urine test. He may also swab your cervix during a routine Pap test.
If you test positive for chlamydia, you’ll be treated with antibiotics. You might receive a one-time dose, or take antibiotics daily for seven days. Chlamydia infections typically go away within 1-2 weeks. You’ll need to avoid sexual intercourse during this time.
How can I avoid getting chlamydia?
The only way to avoid chlamydia is to abstain from sexual intercourse or have sex with a partner who doesn't have chlamydia. Using condoms helps prevent chlamydia infection, but doesn’t eliminate your risk entirely.
How often should I get STD testing?
Dr. Martinez can help you determine how often to get tested for chlamydia and other STDs. If you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners and don’t use protection, you should be tested regularly. Call Femhealth Group to schedule an STD screening, or book an appointment online.
