Chlamydia
Chlamydia Complications
If left unattended, chlamydia can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease. PID can leave lifelong damages to a woman?s reproductive system such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Women with chlamydia are also prone to acquiring HIV. Men on the other hand have less risks, but complications include epididymis which may lead to sterility. In order to avoid acquiring chlamydia, one should undergo an annual screening especially when he or she is sexually active. Pregnant women are also recommended to undergo a screening test to avoid ectopic pregnancy. Others on the other hand may also experience skin lesions and arthritis as a result of the infection. People who have been treated may experience reinfection, thus they should also take extra caution.
Chlamydia Definition
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria. A common STD, Chlamydia can cause serious complications which may lead to damages in the female reproductive organs. It can also bring forth permanent problems such as infertility in both males and females. This disease is regarded to be a ?silent killer? because around 75% of infected people notice no symptoms. If the signs do surface, these are usually noticed a few weeks after the disease is acquired.
Chlamydia Symptoms and Signs
Chlamydia can be acquired through unsafe sex mainly through anal sex. It can also be obtained through oral sex and may thrive in the throat. Symptoms are not easily felt by infected people, but for some women, among the signs they experience are abdominal pain, back pain, fever, profuse bleeding, nausea and pain during intercourse. By this time the infection has already spread through the cervix and urethra, and might as well reach the rectal area. Some women also abnormal vaginal discharge and a burning feeling during urination. Infected males meanwhile may experience a penis discharge as well as burning sensations when urinating.
Chlamydia Treatment
Chlamydia is diagnosed through urine tests as well as specimen collected from areas such as the cervix and penis. Once diagnosed, chlamydia can be treated by taking antibiotics such as a daily dose of azithromycin and doxycycline. Sex partners should also be evaluated in order to stop the spread of te disease.