Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Although it is most commonly found in young women, chlamydia can affect both men and women in all age groups.
It is estimated that there are around 40-96% of people with chlamydia are asymptomatic, but this disease can still cause health problems if left untreated. Therefore, here are some things you need to know about chlamydia.
How Is Chlamydia Transmitted?
Having unprotected sex is the main way chlamydia infection is transmitted. The bacteria that cause chlamydia can be transmitted without penetration during sexual intercourse. Touching the genitals that have been infected with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria is enough to create a risk of transmitting this disease.
Newborn babies can catch chlamydia from their mothers during the birth process. Chlamydia can cause pneumonia and serious eye infections in babies. The chlamydia test is included in most prenatal medical tests pregnant women perform.
What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is often nicknamed the 'silent infection' because many people with chlamydia do not feel or show any symptoms at all. However, chlamydia can still cause pain, a burning sensation when urinating, and an abnormal discharge from the genitals.
Furthermore, here are some common symptoms of chlamydia found in women:
- Feeling pain when having sexual intercourse, also called dyspareunia.
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- There is inflammation in the cervical area.
In some women, the chlamydia infection can spread to the fallopian tubes and cause a severe condition in the form of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Throat infections can also occur after having oral sex with a person with chlamydia.
Who is more at risk of getting chlamydia?
In the United States. There are more women with chlamydia than men. In fact, twice as many. Some factors that can increase the risk of developing chlamydia are as follows:
- Being sexually active before the age of 25 years.
- Having more than one sexual partner or multiple partners.
- Do not use condoms when having sex.
- Have a history or medical record of sexually transmitted diseases.
Use condoms when having sex to reduce sexually transmitted diseases.
What is the Treatment for Chlamydia?
Because chlamydia is a disease caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used as a treatment method. To achieve effective treatment, follow the prescription given by the doctor until the chlamydia is completely cured. Usually, this process takes 2 weeks. Remember that you can still catch chlamydia again even if the previous infection has completely cleared up.
Taking medication will only cure chlamydia but will not make you immune.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is relatively easy to cure. However, leaving too long can cause complications and more serious health problems. Therefore, use protection during sexual intercourse, limit the number of sexual partners, and carry out routine checks to prevent transmission and treatment as soon as possible.
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References:
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Chlamydia trachomatis. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355349
The Healthline Editorial Team. (2021). Everything You Need to Know About Chlamydia Infection. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/std/chlamydia