Ashley Yost by

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 06:22:13 UTC

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is one of the most common types of STI's that one can contract.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 06:33:47 UTC

Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. While some STI’s are viral, chlamydia is bacterial. Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics to treat the active infection but repeat infection is common.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 06:38:30 UTC

Chlamydia is often called a silent infection because most people who have contracted this infection do not have symptoms. However, some people may develop vaginal or penile swelling, burning or painful urination, testicular swelling, & abnormal bleeding between periods.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 06:44:41 UTC

Chlamydia can have some long-term effects, especially if it goes untreated. In women, untreated chlamydia can spread into the uterus & uterine tubes & cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This scars the uterine tubes. Scar tissue may block sperm which will lead to infertility. Untreated chlamydia can also lead to a fatal ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the womb.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 06:50:13 UTC

Newborns can be infected with chlamydia in the birth canal if the mother has this infection. As a result, the baby can develop respiratory tract infections. They can also develop a form of conjunctivitis (infection of the conjunctiva) called trachoma. Trachoma can lead to blindness.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 07:01:08 UTC

Chlamydia can usually be treated with antibiotics. More than 95% of patients will be cured if they take their medication correctly. Two most commonly types of antibiotics that are used to treat chlamydia are
•doxycycline - taken every day for a week
•azithromycin - one dose of 1g, followed by 500mg once a day for 2 days

If taking doxycycline, the patient shouldn’t have sex including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even with a condom, until both patient & partner(s) have completed treatment.

If taking azithromycin, patient should wait 7 days after treatment before having sex.

Waiting to have sexual intercourse will help ensure infection is not spread furthermore or contracting it back right away.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 07:06:31 UTC

The best way to prevent chlamydia is to either not have sex or to only have sex with someone who is not infected & is only having sex with you.

Condoms are a great way to reduce the spread of STI’s if used correctly & every single time you have sex.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 07:12:42 UTC

If you are sexually active, getting tested regularly for STI’s is one of the most important things you can do. Getting tested at least once a year can better protect your health. Those who have multiple partners should be tested more frequently (3-6 months).

If you are pregnant, you will also get screened for STI’s to ensure you do not spread anything to your child.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 07:18:23 UTC

Chlamydia can be diagnosed by a urine test or swab. Your doctor may get a swab sample from your cervix, vagina, throat, or anus.

anyost01_ — 2023-11-18 07:22:14 UTC

The bacteria is usually spread through unprotected sex or contact with infected genital fluids. This can be vaginal fluids or semen. You can contract chlamydia through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.