How to Manage The Alarming Symptoms of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is often discussed on sex education topics in academic and corporate events. It is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Many people may not be aware of how they can acquire it, let alone knowing the proper ways of how to manage the symptoms of the infection.
Anyone who is actively involved with sexual activities is at a high risk of getting chlamydia, essentially when a person is engaged with multiple sexual partners and is not practicing safe sex methods.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be acquired from having unprotected genital, oral, or anal sex with an infected person, involving direct contact with the genitals and genital fluids.
In most cases, chlamydia does not show observable symptoms on infected individuals, but it doesn’t reduce the risks of spreading.
Symptoms
These are the usual symptoms of chlamydia whenever it starts to show:
In women:
- Searing pain when urinating
- An increased amount of vaginal discharge
- Heavier menstrual discharge
- Bleeding in between menstrual periods
- Pain and bleeding in the genital area during sex
In men:
- Searing pain when urinating
- Pain and swelling in the testicles
- Occasional discharge from the penis with cloudy color
If you’re worried about having any or most of these symptoms, it is highly advised to consult with a medical doctor so you can undergo proper treatment methods. Here at CallonDoc, we have online STD consultations available 24/7 through your mobile device.
How bad is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia might be a common disease, but unlike “common colds,” the bacteria that cause it can spread to other parts of the body and lead to severe health problems if left untreated.
Women can eventually develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause pain in the reproductive organ areas and infertility. PID acquired from chlamydia can also cause ectopic pregnancies that can be haphazardly life-threatening.
Men can experience worse symptoms of pain and swelling of the testicles. But chlamydia can rarely cause infertility in men.
In both men and women, long-term exposure to the infection without receiving the right treatment can cause inflammation in the joints, eyes, and urethra.
Getting infected with chlamydia may also increase a person’s risk of acquiring HIV. Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it can be cured with antibiotics. However, suppose the condition causes a person to have a viral infection. In that case, it becomes a lifelong condition that currently has no treatment, and the symptoms can only be managed with medicinal remedies.
How to Manage Chlamydia
There are two primary steps in managing chlamydia: get tested and get treatment.
Getting Tested
Whether the symptoms show or not, it’s highly advised to get tested for chlamydia, especially if you suspect that your sexual partner might have already been infected.
If you’re unsure how to proceed with the testing, ask our STD doctor to help you navigate the situation. If it’s not chlamydia, it could still be another infection.
Getting Treatment
If you test positive for chlamydia, get immediate treatment from your healthcare provider. They can provide interventions that will help you ease out from the symptoms and ultimately cure the infection.
Learn more about the STD treatment for Chlamydia here!
Final Remark
Being aware of how bad chlamydia can escalate from a bacterial infection to lethal health conditions should encourage sexually active individuals to refrain from engaging in harmful sexual practices. And if anyone gets infected, seek professional treatment immediately. Don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider who can assist in your recovery.
Got more questions about chlamydia or other types of STDs? Start a visit with CallonDoc today!
