Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria. It is surprisingly common, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Chlamydia is a leading cause of infertility or women being unable to have children. Not only are the potential consequences of it devastating to a lady's chance of having children, most people with chlamydia are unaware of it as they have no symptoms whatsoever. Indeed if you have had sex, you may need to be tested for it, even if you feel completely fine.
As with all other sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia is spread by having unprotected sex i.e. not using a condom. Remember that the contraceptive pill or injection, although stopping you from becoming pregnant, offer no protection whatsoever against any sexually transmitted disease. If you want to look after yourself now and avoid the misery of finding yourself unable to have children in the years to come, insist on using a condom, in addition to some regular form of contraception.
Anyone can - no one is immune and the infection affects both men and women.
Remember most people with chlamydia have no symptoms at all. In women 75% are unaware of the infection, the remaining minority may experience an unusual discharge from the vagina or a burning sensation when passing urine, similar to that with a urine infection or cystitis. Bleeding in between periods may also occur and pain felt in the lower abdomen perhaps during intercourse or indeed at any time (pelvic inflammatory disease).
Men are also often unaware of their infection with up to 50% of them displaying no features. A discharge from the penis or burning sensation when passing urine may be present. Painful, swollen testicles and an itchy burning sensation at the tip of the penis can also occur.
Yes - chlamydia, together with other sexually transmitted diseases can now be easily tested for by simply taking a swab from the vagina in a similar way that a smear test is performed.
If you have any concerns about your sexual health don't be afraid to ask for help from your practice nurse, GP or other health professional. If you are too embarrassed to talk about this at your local surgery you can always attend a sexually transmitted disease clinic at the hospital or any Family Planning Clinic. Remember that all you discuss will be treated confidentially and no one is going to make any judgement about you - other than to be pleased that you are taking responsibility for both your own health and for those around you.
Chlamydial infections can be cured with antibiotics. However, it is imperative to complete the course of treatment and also for your partner to be treated, even if they show no signs of infection (in this way the chances of you re-infecting each other are avoided). Whilst you and your partner are having treatment it is sensible to either avoid sex or use condoms, once again to avoid the chance of re-infection. If you are pregnant or breast feeding you must tell your doctor of this fact as some of the antibiotics used to treat chlamydia may harm your baby - alternatives which are completely safe for your baby are available.
Yes! Although telling your partner can be embarrassing and difficult the probable consequences of not doing so are worse - even if you receive the treatment your partner may subsequently re-infect you or pass the disease on to others.
Yes - as we have seen the majority of people affected with chlamydia have no symptoms but the risk of infertility and other complications remains.
REMEMBER: Don't let your embarrassment at insisting on using a condom ruin your chances of having children in the future.
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.
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