What is Chlamydia?
More than half of teens or young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 are diagnosed with chlamydia in the U.S. Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women and men. It is an infection that is carried in vaginal fluids, pre-cum, and semen (cum) through anal, oral, and vaginal sex. The urethra, vagina, cervix, penis, and even the eyes and throat can be infected.
Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia
Chlamydia can cause serious health problems if left untreated. There is often no symptoms and if there is, it usually appears several weeks after having sex with someone who has chlamydia.
Symptoms can include:
- Rectal pain
- Rectal bleeding
- Rectal pain
- Painful Urination
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between periods
- Smelly discharge
- Unusual sore
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Painful periods
- Pus in urine
What are the Risk Factors of Chlamydia?
- Having multiple partners
- History of STDs
- Inconsistent use of condoms
- Under the age of 25
- Pregnant
Treatment and Prevention
Chlamydia can be cured by using antibiotics. The most common antibiotics are azithromycin which is usually taken as a single dose and doxycycline which is often taken over seven days.
Ways to prevent getting chlamydia are:
- Abstinence
- Limit sexual partners
- Get tested
- Use condoms
- Not sharing sexual toys
- Using dental dams during oral sex
It’s Fetch is a community that provides a safe space for members to discuss health and wellness topics. We provide access to archived health related content, note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content shared, regardless of date should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
-Written by Karen Manalac
Resources:
CDC – chlamydia treatment. (2021, June 30). https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/treatment.htm
Chlamydia: Causes, symptoms, treatment & prevention. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4023-chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis—Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355349
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