Chlamydia is a common STI-sexually transmitted infection caused by a type of bacteria- chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If left untreated for long, chlamydia can cause severe health complications such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. However, the infection is easy to diagnose and treat with antibiotics. This article will cover the signs, reasons, and therapies for chlamydia.
Overview
The percentage of people infected with chlamydia varies between 0.1% to 12.1% in men and 1.1% to 10.6% in women in different countries and age groups, according to population-based studies. It is especially common among young adults ages 15 to 24. Most of those infected with chlamydia do not show symptoms. Still, if they appear, they may include burning during urination, pain and swelling in the testicles, painful intercourse, and vaginal discharge. How to treat chlamydia depends on the severity of the infection. If caught early, chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Chlamydia causes
Generally, STD chlamydia in women is caused by having unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, with someone infected with the bacteria. Here are five common causes of chlamydia:
- Having unprotected sex with someone who already has chlamydia
- Engaging in sexual activity before being tested for STIs and not using condoms
- Having multiple sex partners where chlamydia discharge may not be visible
- Having sex with someone who has multiple sex partners
- Sharing sex toys without cleaning them between uses
Chlamydia symptoms
Chlamydia symptoms can often be difficult to detect since they may not immediately be visible. Signs and symptoms of chlamydia include the following:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful intercourse
- Swelling of the labia or vulva
- Burning, itching, and irritation around the vagina
In men, common signs and symptoms of chlamydia include:
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Swelling or pain in the testicles
How to treat chlamydia?
There are several ways to treat chlamydia. Depending on the severity, the treatment includes the following:
Doxycycline for chlamydia
Doxycycline for chlamydia is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for treating bacterial infections, including chlamydia. It works by stopping the spread/growth of bacteria in the body. Doxycycline can be taken as a pill or liquid and should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. The recommended dosage for treating chlamydia is 100mg twice daily for seven days.
Chlamydia medication
Azithromycin is a common medication that can also be used to treat chlamydia bacteria. It is typically given in one dose and should be consumed as your healthcare provider recommends. The recommended dosage for treating chlamydia is 1g orally once daily for seven days.
Other treatments
Healthcare providers may also recommend other treatments, like pain relievers or topical creams, to help relieve symptoms of chlamydia. They can also advise lifestyle changes, including abstaining from sexual activity until chlamydia has cleared up, using condoms during sex, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels and washcloths with others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chlamydia is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health complications if left untreated. Fortunately, it is easy to diagnose and treat with antibiotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin. If you think you have been born with an STI, it’s important to get tested right away and seek early treatment. By doing so, you can protect the health of those around you and yourself.
FAQs related to chlamydia
How can I reduce my chances/risk of getting chlamydia?
The best way to protect yourself from contracting chlamydia is by using condoms or dental dams when engaging in sexual activity and avoiding contact with multiple partners. If you think you are exposed to an STI, it’s important to get tested right away and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Can chlamydia be cured?
Yes, it can be easily treated with antibiotics if caught early. However, the infection may become more severe over time if left untreated. For this reason, it’s important to get tested and receive prompt treatment with antibiotic medication such as doxycycline or azithromycin.
What happens if chlamydia is left untreated?
Regular STI testing and prompt treatment with antibiotics are crucial if you suspect a chlamydia infection, as leaving it untreated may result in severe health problems like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy in the long run.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.