Signs And Symptoms Of Chlamydia Infection by Jane Thurnell-Read

What Is Chlamydia Infection?

Chlamydia infections affect the sexual organs, and is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Chlamydia are small micro-organisms – bigger than viruses but smaller than bacteria. They are similar to viruses in that they can only multiply by first invading the cells of another life-form, but they are more like bacteria and are susceptible to antibiotics. Chlamydia Trachomatis is the organism responsible for this sexually transmitted disease.

What Are The Symptoms?

There are various symptoms, but remember that some people do not show any symptoms at all:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Unusual discharge from the penis
• Pain when peeing or having sex
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding between periods
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pain in the testicles (balls)

How Soon Do Symptoms Show?

Symptoms usually take 1-3 weeks to appear, but some people don’t show any symptoms for months, or even not at all.

Why Should I Get Tested?

Untreated Chlamydia can lead to the infection spreading to other parts of the body, causing pain and even infertility. You may not be wanting to start a family now, so the thought of infertility may not be alarming to you, but how do you know how you will feel in 5 or 10 years time? You should be tested every time you have a new sexual partner, or at least once a year.

What Is The Test For Chlamydia Infection?

The simple medical test involves a urine (pee) sample or a vaginal swab being tested.

What is The Treatment For Chlamydia Infection?

A course of antibiotics will treat the problem, but remember that antibiotics can affect the contraceptive pill or patch. Take a course of probiotics after you have taken the antibiotics. This will reduce the chances of getting thrush (Candida), and help to repopulate the gut flora. If possible, you should also tell the people you have recently had sex with so that they can be tested too.

How Likely Am I To Have It?

Chlamydia infection is extremely common in the sexually active. Some people do not have any symptoms, so if you are sexually active it is important to have regular check-ups.

How Can I Protect Myself From It?

• Using condoms will protect you from Chlamydia infection and some other sexual diseases including HIV.
• Do not have unprotected sex (including oral and anal) with existing partners until they have been tested and, if necessary, treated for Chlamydia infection.
• Minimise the number of sexual partners you have.

Copyright 2008 Jane Thurnell-Read Online Healthy Living Shop