Published on Jul 12, 2023 | 5:17 PM
Share Article :
As one of the most common STDs alongside bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia affects well over a million people in the United States alone. Having risen year-over-year, hopes of there being a decline in cases were curbed when the number of cases went from 1,579,885 in 2020 to 1,644,416 in 2021, but fortunately, chlamydia has not returned to pre-pandemic numbers. (1)
Formally known as Chlamydia trachomatis, the STD is most common in younger generations aged 15 to 24, with an estimated 1 in 20 sexually active young women in that age group having the condition. How chlamydia has become so prevalent can be easily explained, with the majority of those infected experiencing no symptoms and going without regular and recommended STD testing.
The infection commonly occurs due to unprotected sexual activity, where the bacteria is transmitted by exchanging infected bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, or rectal fluids. Not just isolated to body parts that produce such fluids (penis, vagina, anus), chlamydia can survive in and infect other parts of the body like the eyes and throat by direct contact or when someone has the infected fluids on their hands. (3) Once a person is infected, they do become a carrier and can then infect other sexual partners with the STD regardless of if they are asymptomatic or exhibiting symptoms. Additionally, chlamydia can be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. Like other STIs, this occurs when the baby passes through the birth canal. (4)
When it comes to figuring out whether you have chlamydia or not, the best method of discovery is getting regular STD tests when sexually active as well as during your recommended annual well-women or men's checkup. Relying on chlamydia symptoms alone is not necessarily effective due to most cases being asymptomatic, with only around 30% of women and about 10% of men experiencing any noticeable symptoms. (5)(2)
Chlamydia often presents without noticeable symptoms, especially in its early stages, which can make it challenging to detect. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary widely between individuals and may include abnormal genital discharge, burning or pain during urination, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex in women, and testicular pain or swelling in men. In severe cases, untreated chlamydia can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women or epididymitis in men, which may cause more pronounced symptoms such as pelvic pain, fever, and nausea.
Yes, there are several conditions that can be mistaken for chlamydia due to overlapping symptoms. Some of these conditions include:
Gonorrhea: Chlamydia and gonorrhea symptoms often go hand-in-hand, making it easy for the two to be confused with one another outside of a professional environment. Both infections can cause similar symptoms, such as abnormal genital discharge, pain or discomfort during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. Additionally, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be asymptomatic, leading individuals to suspect a possible infection without clear indicators.
Trichomoniasis: A person may confuse or assume they have trichomoniasis instead of chlamydia due to the similarities in some of their symptoms. Both trichomoniasis and chlamydia can cause abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or discomfort during urination, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. However, there are some distinguishing factors. Trichomoniasis may cause frothy, greenish, or yellowish discharge with a strong odor, while chlamydia typically presents with a discharge that is clearer or cloudy.
Urinary Tract Infections: Both UTIs and chlamydia can cause pain or a burning sensation during urination. They can also lead to a frequent urge to urinate and lower abdominal discomfort. However, chlamydia typically presents with symptoms like abnormal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, and in women, bleeding between periods. UTIs are better known for distinct symptoms such as cloudy or strong-smelling urine, fever, and lower back pain.
Yeast Infections: A person may confuse or assume they have a yeast infection (candidiasis) instead of chlamydia due to some similar symptoms they share. Both yeast infections and chlamydia can cause vaginal itching, discomfort, and abnormal discharge. However, yeast infections typically produce a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge and can cause external itching and irritation. Chlamydia, on the other hand, may have a different type of discharge (clear or cloudy) and can present with additional symptoms such as pain during urination, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse.
Bacterial Vaginosis: Both BV and chlamydia can cause changes in vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis often leads to a thin, grayish-white discharge with a strong, fishy odor. Chlamydia, on the other hand, may cause a different type of discharge (clear or cloudy) without a distinct odor. While BV can cause vaginal itching and irritation, chlamydia may present with additional symptoms such as pain during urination, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse.
When it comes to diagnosing chlamydia, a doctor will generally start with a routine screening to both identify any chlamydia symptoms a person may have and to remove any infections or diseases that have similarities. Such screenings will include a description of how you are feeling, a physical examination, and then a laboratory test to identify the STD.
When conducting the test, most doctors will opt for the use of nucleic acid amplification tests or NAATs. NAATs are highly accurate tests that detect the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the chlamydia bacteria. Samples for NAATs can be collected through urine samples or swabs from the cervix (in women) or urethra (in men). NAATs are the most commonly used tests for chlamydia diagnosis due to their high accuracy. (2)
In instances of a positive case, doctors may encourage a patient to inform their partners to get checked out and receive chlamydia treatment in the case of a positive result. In both processes, CallonDoc offers expedited services when a patient tests positive for the condition, allowing the process to be easier and just as private!
The best treatment for chlamydia is a course of antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. The most commonly recommended antibiotics for treating chlamydia are azithromycin or doxycycline. These antibiotics work by killing the chlamydia bacteria and clearing the infection. The choice of antibiotic and the duration of treatment may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the infection, individual health considerations, and any drug allergies. It is crucial to abstain from sexual activity until the infection is fully resolved to prevent reinfection and further chlamydia transmission. (2)
Chlamydia infection generally does not clear on its own without treatment. While some individuals may experience spontaneous resolution of symptoms, the infection can persist and potentially lead to complications if left untreated. It is important to note that chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and antibiotics are typically needed to effectively eliminate the bacteria from the body. Timely treatment with appropriate antibiotics is essential to clear the infection, prevent further complications, and reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to others.
On top of the medications typically prescribed for chlamydia treatment, the best methods to truly remove the infection from the body is to abstain from sex and make the body as healthy as possible so it can heal faster throughout the process. If positive for an STD, it is important to identify and connect with current and former sexual partners to notify them. Not only will this allow them the opportunity to get tested and treated, but can help prevent and reduce the spread of STDs to future partners. If left untreated, STDs can cause further health complications later on, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, increase chances of getting HIV, and even cause infertility.
Getting chlamydia treatment and ultimately getting it cured does not provide immunity from repeat infections. Studies have shown that a significant proportion of women who have been successfully treated for chlamydia can become reinfected if they engage in sexual activity with an infected partner or have new sexual partners. (6) Several factors contribute to the risk of a repeat infection, including incomplete treatment of the initial infection, failure to notify and treat sexual partners, ongoing high-risk sexual behavior, and lack of consistent and correct use of barrier methods such as condoms.
While no preventive measure can provide a 100% guarantee, chlamydia transmission can be significantly reduced through various preventive strategies. Here are some key steps to help prevent chlamydia:
At CallonDoc, we understand that getting tested or treated for STDs can be embarrassing, but the importance on getting tested or treated for your overall and ongoing health is important to us. That's why we offer unique, affordable, and discreet online STD testing and treatment options. If you or your partner need help with chlamydia or another STD, see how we can help you today from the privacy and comfort of your home.
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
Facts About Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily spreads through sexual contact and can affect both men and women. Symptoms of gonorrhea can include painful urination, genital discharge, and in some cases, it may cause more serious health complications if left untreated.
Mar 09, 2021 | 2:52 PM
Can you Get Syphilis from Kissing?
Syphilis is one of the most common diseases faced by many throughout the United States. It’s important that we have a quick discussion about its symptoms, how they’re contracted, and the most effective preventive measures available.
Mar 09, 2021 | 10:41 AM
How to Treat a Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that can affect far more than just your sexual health. It is a commonly contracted STD. In the U.S. alone, an average of one out of ten young adults, mostly women, is likely to test positive for the infection.
Jan 15, 2022 | 3:08 PM
Facts About Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily spreads through sexual contact and can affect both men and women. Symptoms of gonorrhea can include painful urination, genital discharge, and in some cases, it may cause more serious health complications if left untreated.
Mar 09, 2021 | 2:52 PM
Can you Get Syphilis from Kissing?
Syphilis is one of the most common diseases faced by many throughout the United States. It’s important that we have a quick discussion about its symptoms, how they’re contracted, and the most effective preventive measures available.
Mar 09, 2021 | 10:41 AM
How to Treat a Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is a highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that can affect far more than just your sexual health. It is a commonly contracted STD. In the U.S. alone, an average of one out of ten young adults, mostly women, is likely to test positive for the infection.
Jan 15, 2022 | 3:08 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?