Chlamydia refers to a common sexually transmitted disease that infects both males and females. It causes permanent and severe damage to the reproductive system of women. The infection makes them unable to get pregnant if it remains for the long term.
Chlamydia can lead to an ectopic pregnancy that is potentially fatal. This pregnancy occurs outside the area of a woman’s womb. Someone who already has chlamydia can transfer this disease to you through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
If you have a male sex partner then still you can get chlamydia from him even if he did not ejaculate. Moreover, if you have recovered from chlamydia in the past then still there are chances to get this infection again.
It happens when you do unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. You can transfer chlamydia infection to your baby during delivery. The way to reduce the risk of getting chlamydia infection is not to have oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Risk Factors
Following are the risk factors that enhance the chances of getting chlamydia infection.
- Having many sex partners
- Being active sexually before the age of 25
- Not rightly using condoms or using them inconsistently
- Having a history of diseases that can be sexually transmitted
Do the following things to reduce the chances of being infected with chlamydia infection in case you are active sexually.
- Try to have a mutually monogamous relationship for the long term with a partner who is tested negative for sexually transmitted diseases.
- It is necessary to use latex condoms every time you have sexual intercourse. Use these condoms correctly.
Complications
Chlamydia trachomatis can be linked with:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infection near the area of testicles (epididymitis)
- Prostate gland infection
- Infection in newborns
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Reactive arthritis
Diagnosis
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended the screening of chlamydia for the following people.
Women Who Are Sexually Active With The Age Of 25 Years And Above
The chlamydia infection rate is greater in this group. That is the reason the doctor recommends a yearly screening test. If you have been tested for the infection of chlamydia then get tested again after having sexual intercourse with a new partner.
Pregnant Women
These women should be tested during their first prenatal examination. Get tested for a second time if you have multiple sex partners or if your partner has been tested for chlamydia infection.
High Risk In Men And Women
Frequent screening of chlamydia is recommended for people who do not prefer to use condoms every time they have sex. It is also recommended for men who have sexual intercourse with men.
Current infection with any of the sexually transmitted diseases puts you at the risk of getting chlamydia infection. If you are exposed to the sexually transmitted infection through your infected partner then you are also at risk to develop that infection.
Diagnosis and screening of chlamydia are not difficult. Tests include:
- Urine Test: Your urine sample is analyzed in a laboratory to check the presence of infection.
- A Swab: Doctors take a swab from a woman’s cervix area after discharge for antigen or culture testing to detect chlamydia. They also do it during a Pap test. Some women swab their vaginas themselves for the test.
Treatment
Doctors use antibiotics for the treatment of chlamydia infection. You might have to take medicines daily or at a specific time once a day for five to ten days. Infection recovers in seven days or two weeks in most cases. You should not involve yourself in sexual activity until that time.
If your partner has symptoms of the infection then he/she needs proper treatment. Moreover, if your partner does not have any symptoms then he/she might also need medical care and treatment.
If you and your partner leave chlamydia untreated then the infection can be passed back and forth. To prevent the recurrence of infection, it is necessary to be properly screened for chlamydia infection. A bacteria is responsible for causing chlamydia.
These bacteria transfer from one person to another during, oral, vaginal, or anal sex. You get the infection from the vaginal fluid or semen of the person who is infected. Genital contact can also transfer the disease even if you do not have sexual intercourse.
Precautionary measures save you and your partner from getting sexually transmitted diseases. It also inhibits the fatal consequences of sexually transmitted infections.
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