Top facts about chlamydia
The bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis causes chlamydia infection, which usually occurs in the genital tract, so the cervix in women and the penis in men. In both women and men, the bacteria may also infect the rectum and the throat.
Infections are spread during any kind of sexual activity: vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse.
Chlamydia trachomatis can also cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) if the bacteria come into contact with the eyelids or the clear membrane covering the white of the eye.
Chlamydia infections often cause no symptoms, individuals who have one may not seek medical attention or get treated for it. However, anyone who is infected with chlamydia can pass it to other people, who can, in turn, pass it to others.
Symptoms
Most of the chlamydia infections are asymptomatic and can only be picked up through screening. For this reason, every sexually active person is advised to always go for screening.
However, there can be mild signs that should prompt you to visit the doctor’s office. These signs vary from men and women.
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In women, it can manifest as
- Abdominal pain
- Smelly discharge from the cervix
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Bleeding between periods
Signs in men include;
- Discharge from the penis
- Painful testicles
Treatment
The good news is that chlamydia is treatable, unlike other sexually transmitted infections. this can be done by taking a series of antibiotics, which after completing the prescribed dosage you’ll be fine.
However, the most effective way to avoid getting a sexually transmitted infection is to not have sex. However, if you wish to have sexual contact, you can reduce your risk of infection with these actions:
- Minimizing the number of partners with whom you have intimate contact
- Asking your partners to get screened for STDs (and getting screened yourself) before engaging in sexual activity
- Always using latex condoms when having intercourse of any kind
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