Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause harm to your reproductive organs. Many people who have chlamydia do not show any symptoms, therefore, it’s known as a silent infection.

If left untreated, it can cause long term damage to the reproductive system.

How it is Spread?

Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. It is most common in people aged 15-24 years old, but can affect anyone who is sexually active.

Those with multiple sexual partners, or anyone who has sex without a condom, are at higher risk of contracting the infection.

What are the Symptoms?

As mentioned, chlamydia often shows no symptoms to the infected person. Those with symptoms may experience:.

Pain or burning during urination
Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
Pain during sex
Bleeding between periods or after sex

Testing for Chlamydia

Chlamydia can be diagnosed with a simple urine test or a swab test. Testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active and has had unprotected sex, or has multiple sexual partners.

How is it Treated?

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline. It’s important to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider, even if symptoms disappear after a few days.

Failure to complete the full course of antibiotics may result in a repeat infection.

Long Term Effects of Chlamydia

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause long term damage to the reproductive system. This damage can result in:.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): inflammation of the female reproductive organs that can lead to infertility
Infertility: scarring from PID can block the tubes that transport eggs and sperm
Ectopic Pregnancy: when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus

Chlamydia and Pregnancy

Chlamydia can affect a woman’s ability to conceive a child. Women who have untreated chlamydia can develop PID, which can damage the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

This can result in infertility or ectopic pregnancies.

For men, chlamydia can cause infertility by damaging the sperm. This can result in a lower sperm count, or poor-quality sperm.

Preventing Chlamydia

The best way to prevent chlamydia is to practice safe sex. Use a condom every time you have sex, and get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections.

If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, make sure to take all of the antibiotics as prescribed, and avoid having sex until the infection has cleared up.

Conclusion

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection that often has no symptoms. If left untreated, it can cause long term damage to the reproductive system, resulting in infertility or ectopic pregnancies in women, and lower sperm count in men.

The best way to prevent chlamydia is to use a condom every time you have sex, get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections, and seek treatment if you are diagnosed with chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted infection.