Straight Facts For Chlamydia

Get the straight facts for chlamydia and protect yourself from this common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Chlamydia is common in teens and young adults, though anyone can become infected with this disease. Though treatment is available, people infected with chlamydia often do not know that they are carrying this disease. Therefore, annual testing of sexually active individuals is important to prevent the serious long-term consequences of untreated chlamydia infection.

1. Chlamydia does not always cause symptoms. The only way to know for sure whether or not you have chlamydia is to be tested on a regular, annual basis. Chlamydia is the most common type of bacterial STD in the United States, making testing imperative in all sexually active people.
2. Know the facts for chlamydia symptoms which may appear in some cases. Women generally experience burning upon urination and vaginal discharge. Men experience similar burning around the opening of the penis upon urination. Itching and penile discharge may also be present in men.
3. Learn about facts for chlamydia treatment. Take all medication as prescribed by your doctor and schedule another appointment as soon as possible if your symptoms do not clear completely before you stop taking the medication.
4. Get tested regularly. If you have been infected with chlamydia once, you may be at increased risk of contracting this disease again. You may wish to discuss more frequent testing with your doctor. Some physicians recommend testing every few months to ensure quick treatment in the event of a recurrence.
5. Understand the facts for chlamydia that is left untreated. Though chlamydia does not often cause symptoms or long-term health problems in men, men who are infected with chlamydia will likely pass the disease to their partners. In women, this disease can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and increase their chances of contracting HIV from other partners. Though rare, some men with untreated chlamydia can develop an infection in the sperm carrying tubes of the testes, causing pain, fever and even infertility.

Resources:

Chlamydia