Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Chlamydia
What is Chlamydia? Chlamydia is one of the most commonly sexually transmitted diseases in the United States and is caused by bacteria that invade your genital tract.
How does someone catch Chlamydia? Chlamydia is spread easily through unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sexual intercourse.
How will I know if I have Chlamydia? Often times you won’t know unless you get tested as 75% of women and 50% of men who have Chlamydia show no outward symptoms. There are tests that can be preformed to determine if you have Chlamydia, but it is important for you to know that these tests are not routinely done during a physical examination. If symptoms do occur they are often exhibited by: painful urination, genital discharge and pain and discomfort during intercourse.
What harm can having Chlamydia cause? If left untreated, the infection can lead to infertility in both men and women, painful intercourse, blindness and further reproductive difficulties. Women who have Chlamydia are also three to five more times likely to become infected by HIV then those uninfected.
How is Chlamydia treated? The first step with the treatment of Chlamydia is the same as that of any sexually transmitted disease that is, going to your medical caregiver and seeking help Once detected, Chlamydia can be effectively treated using antibiotic tablets.
How can Chlamydia be prevented? Always practice “safer sex”; use a latex condom for every sexual encounter. Women should avoid the practice of “douching”, which clears out normally healthy bacteria from the vagina, increasing the likelihood of infection. And always, be aware of your partner’s sexual history and health.
For more information visit:
http://www.mayoclinic.com or http://www.cdc.gov
