Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that often has no symptoms. Chlamydia is easily treated, but also can be easily spread with or without symptoms. Condoms can offer good protection against this STD. We all want to protect ourselves and each other from infections like chlamydia. Learning more about chlamydia is an important first step.Here are some of the most common questions we hear people ask about chlamydia. We hope you find the answers helpful, whether you think you may have chlamydia, have been diagnosed with it, or are just curious about it. Have you had unprotected sex and want to get tested for chlamydia? Advanced Healthcare for Women & Children can help. Call (909) 581-4667 for your appointment.
Common questions about HIV/AIDS
You may have heard of chlamydia, but many people are not sure what it is. Chlamydia (klah MIH dee ah) is an infection caused by a kind of bacteria that is passed during sexual contact. It is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States. About three million American women and men become infected with chlamydia every year. It is especially common among women and men under 25. Chlamydia is more than three times as common as gonorrhea more than 50 times as common as syphilis Chlamydia can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eye, or throat
What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?
Usually, chlamydia has no symptoms. Most people are not aware that they have the infection — especially women. 70-95 percent of women with chlamydia have no chlamydia symptoms. 90 percent of men with chlamydia have no chlamydia symptoms. If you do get chlamydia symptoms, they may begin in as little as 5 to 10 days after you got the infection.
When women have chlamydia symptoms, they may experience abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, bleeding between menstrual periods, low-grade fever, painful intercourse, pain or a burning feeling while urinating, swelling inside the vagina or around the anus, the urge to urinate more than usual, vaginal bleeding after intercourse and a yellowish discharge from the cervix that may have a strong smell.
When men have symptoms, they may experience pain or a burning feeling while urinating, pus or watery or milky discharge from the penis,swollen or tender testicles and swelling around the anus
In both women and men, chlamydia may cause the anus to itch and bleed. It can also result in a discharge and diarrhea. If chlamydia infects the eyes, it may cause redness, itching, and a discharge. If chlamydia infects the throat, it may cause soreness.
Chlamydia symptoms may only appear in the morning and may be mild, especially for men. That’s why many people do not realize they have an infection. If you or your partner has any of the symptoms listed above, get tested. This is especially important if you are pregnant.
How Can I Know If I Have Chlamydia?
A health care provider can do tests to see if you have chlamydia, whether or not you have chlamydia symptoms. Your health care provider may be able to see chlamydia symptoms, such as a discharge from the cervix. Otherwise, the provider may use a swab or other instrument to take cell samples from the penis, cervix, urethra, or anus. You can also have your urine tested.
Is There a Treatment for Chlamydia?
Yes. Chlamydia is easy to treat. If you have chlamydia, you will need to take antibiotics. One type of chlamydia treatment is taken in one dose. Other kinds of chlamydia treatment must be taken for seven days. Your health care provider can help you decide which is the best treatment for you.
Both you and your partner must be treated for chlamydia before you have sex again. That way you can avoid becoming infected again. Some health care providers will give you antibiotics to take home to your partner. They may tell you to be re-tested for chlamydia in 3 to 4 months.
If you are treated for chlamydia, or any other sexually transmitted disease or infection, remember to take all of the prescribed medicine. Even if the symptoms go away, the infection may still be in your body until the chlamydia treatment is complete. Make sure your partner(s) is/are treated before having sex again so you don’t infect each other. Do not share your medicine with anyone. Get tested again after three months to make sure the infection is gone.
How Is Chlamydia Spread?
Chlamydia is spread by vaginal and anal intercourse. Rarely, it is spread during oral sex or by touching your eye with your hand. It can also spread from a woman to her fetus during birth. Chlamydia is not passed through casual contact.
How Can I Prevent Getting Chlamydia?
There is a lot you can do to prevent getting chlamydia. Abstain from vaginal and anal intercourse and oral sex. If you choose to have vaginal or anal intercourse, use female or latex condoms every time. Giving or getting chlamydia during oral sex is rare, but you can further reduce your risk by using condoms or latex or plastic barriers.
How Can I Prevent Spreading Chlamydia?
If you have chlamydia, there are several ways to prevent spreading it to other people. Inform your sex partners of the infection. Don’t have sex until treatment is complete. Be sure your sex partners are tested and treated before having sex again. Once you are cured and start having sex again, use female or latex condoms every time you have vaginal or anal intercourse.
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