- Chlamydia is a disease that is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. This sexually transmitted bacteria largely targets the female reproduction system, but may also thrive in the male genitalia. If it goes undetected for long enough, or if the person infected decides to ignore it, Chlamydia can cause serious health problems, including infertility.
- Chlamydia is spread mostly through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, oral and anal sex. Unfortunately, Chlamydia can also be spread from mother to baby during a vaginal birth. As such, those with symptoms of Chlamydia before birth are usually encouraged to give birth through c-section. For men, Chlamydia infections usually only occur through an open sore on the penis. However, Chlamydia can easily be spread through homosexual contact.
- Chlamydia in women presents itself by a odorous discharge from the vagina, anus or throat. For men it presents itself as a discharge from the penis, anus or throat. Chlamydia is not easily recognized, so any alarming discharges within weeks after a sexual encounter should be checked out by a doctor.
- Symptoms of Chlamydia usually present themselves within the first 3 weeks of infection, but can stay hidden for up to a few months. In women, symptoms may include burning pain when urinating, fever, nausea, abdominal pain, pain during sexual activity, and abnormal menstrual bleeding. In men, symptoms may include a burning sensation while urination and itching on the end of the penis.
- Chlamydia is curable with antibiotic treatment using azithromycin or doxycycline. However, those who have had sexual contact with multiple partners, or even one partner, need to inform each of their partners to allow them to get treatment as well. If the person infected neglects to do so they can easily be reinfected by someone they infected in the past. It also allows the person they infected to get treatment before any damage occurs.
- Chlamydia is a preventable disease. This STD is preventable largely by safe sex practices. The most effective of these practices is either staying abstinent or having sex with only one partner who has been tested for the disease. For those who choose to have multiple partners, a latex condom used in the correct manner can prevent most infections of Chlamydia. It is important to keep in mind that Chlamydia can infect the throat as well during oral sex. Taking proper precautions in all sexual contact is the only way to prevent infection.
Comments
ilikemango said
on 04/12/2009 Watch out for Mr. Nice Guy. Simmy Ahluwalia... If you are in Atlanta, GA and you are partying and dating avoid him by all means. Thanks Simmy, I tested positive for Chlamydia and Herpes... I thought I was your only one? I guess you lied again... You did not tell me you are bi-sexual did you? A drop in the bucket of lies. Now I will have genital herpes for the rest of my life! I would chop off your D*** but you are so self absorbed it would not even register and you may like it... Cause you are a bottom anyway... BTW you are not 37? How old are you really?