This STD is quite common in developed countries. It usually does not cause symptoms , although if they do, they are usually: urgent need to urinate, burning when urinating, secretions from the penis, itching or burning inside the hole where the urine comes out or inflammation or pain in the testicles, for the mens; and thick, yellowish vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, discharge from the urethra, spotting or bleeding outside of menstruation, bleeding during or after intercourse, pain during intercourse, or pain in the abdomen or pelvis, for women .
What causes chlamydia?
If left untreated, in women it can cause damage to the reproductive organs and cause difficulties in conception. Similarly, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy (the one that occurs outside the uterus) which can be fatal. Men rarely have health problems associated with chlamydia infection, but it can cause pain and fever and, in rare cases, it can also lead to infertility.
How is it spread?
By having anal, vaginal or oral sex – without protection – with a person who has this infection. In addition, sexually active young people represent the highest risk group, mainly due to behavioral and biological factors common among young people. Lastly, a pregnant woman can infect her baby during delivery.
How to prevent contagion?
We can reduce the risk of chlamydia and other STDs by:
- Using a condom every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex
- Not having sex with someone with chlamydia, even with a condom, until treatment is finished and 1 week has passed since the last dose of antibiotics
- Get regular STD tests, especially if we are under 30 and sexually active
Remember that most people with chlamydia do not show any symptoms and do not know they have it, so feeling “fine” does not mean that we or our partner are not infected. When in doubt, it is best to get tested. If you have chlamydia, you can help reduce the spread by informing your recent sexual partners so they can get tested and receive treatment if necessary.
It’s very common?
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported around 1.7 million chlamydia infections, but the actual number is likely higher because chlamydia is considered an infection that is not commonly disclosed, that is, the number of reported cases is substantially less than the estimated real incidence.
Women between the ages of 15 and 24 are more likely to become infected with chlamydia, according to the CDC, but anyone who is sexually active, male or female, can become infected. Men who have oral or anal sex with men are also at risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular chlamydia screenings for people who are at higher risk of contracting it.
