Real Help on Chlamydia Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0ppgnGjeqY
How common is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is very common and one of the most common STDs. There are an estimated 3 million cases of Chlamydia in the U.S. each year.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a disease that can cause inflammation in men the urethra. Men with Chlamydia may complain of:
- Urethral or penile discharge or drip, or
- Tingling, irritation, or burning during urination.
In women, most commonly, they are asymptomatic, experiencing no symptoms 60% of the time. But if they do have symptoms women may complain of:
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal odor
- Vaginal spotting, or
- Pain or burning when they urinate.
How is Chlamydia transmitted?
Chlamydia is transmitted through sex. This includes:
- Penis to vagina
- Oral sex (mouth goes on the penis), or
- Anal sex (penis goes in the anus).
How does one test for Chlamydia?
The test for Chlamydia involves a urine-based test where the patient urinates in the cub and the specimen is sent to a lab and tested for Chlamydia. The test results come back in three days.
How is Chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia is easily treated with a low cost antibiotic that cures the disease and kills the organism when it is taken.
What are the health complications of Chlamydia?
Some of the common complication of Chlamydia if it goes untreated in women include:
- Infertility, as well as
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
In men, if Chlamydia goes untreated it can lead to pain in the testes.
How can Chlamydia be prevented?
Using protection can reduce the chances of transmitting Chlamydia from sex. But abstinence from is the only way to remain completely free of Chlamydia.
Who should be tested for Chlamydia?
Women should be tested annually if they are sexually active and under the age of 25.
Women over the age of 25 should be tested if they have high risk factors, which include multiple sex partners and unprotected sex.
Men should get tested if they have symptoms, like a discharge. Without symptoms, men should consider getting an annual test if they are sexually active.
