The symptoms of chlamydia can be mild or even absent, but there are serious complications that includes infertility. A man can also contract this infection causing discharge from the penis.
How do you contract chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be transmitted during oral, anal or vaginal sex. An infected women can also pass chlamydia infection to her fetus during vaginal delivery. In fact, any person who is sexually active can be infected with chlamydia. The risk of infection is greater with those who have multiple sex partners. Chlamydia can be transmitted by anal or oral sex, therefore men who have sexual encounters with men are at high risk for chlamydial infections.
Symptoms
- Burning during urination
- Penile or vaginal discharge
- Women usually experience pain during intercourse, irregular bleeding between periods and lower abdominal pain.
- Men may experience pain or swelling in the testicles.
- But most of the time you can be asymptomatic (no symptoms)
How to prevent chlamydia infection?
In order to prevent the serious consequences of chlamydia, screening for chlamydia is recommended at least annually, for all sexually active women aged 25 years and younger.
- One of the best ways to prevent contracting this infection is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a committed monogamous relationship with a partner who's sexual history is known to you.
- Use latex male condoms consistently and correctly to minimise the risk of contracting this disease.
Treatment
Antibiotics are used to treat chlamydia infection. It's extremely important to take the medicines as directed. Both sex partners should be treated in order to prevent the transmission of this infection between them. As soon as you discover you have contracted chlamydia, inform your sex partners. Remember, having a chlamydia infection that was cured earlier does not guarantee protection from another potential infection.
What to do if you think you have Chlamydia?
- If you think you have the symptoms mentioned, it's time to get yourself checked! This is not the time to be embarrassed as chlamydia will not disappear by just hoping.
- There are many health departments in Australia with special clinics that treat STDs including chlamydia. In case you don't know where to go, call your local family planning clinic for more information. No matter where you receive treatment, your case will be kept absolutely private.
- It's normal to feel embarrassed about having chlamydia infection and it may be difficult to go to the doctor or the clinic. But it is necessary to get yourself treated even though it is the hardest thing to do. There is no other way to recover.
- Don't forget to tell your sexual partner. If they are not treated, they can also spread chlamydia! And they might infect you all over again.