Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States and could affect you if you are sexually active. Untreated cases of chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system, and infected individuals do not always show symptoms. To determine if you or your partner have chlamydia and learn what you can do to reduce your risk, schedule a test at Commonwealth OB-GYN, in Brookline Village, Brookline, Massachusetts.
book onlineWhat is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Three million Americans become infected with chlamydia each year and most are girls and women under 25 years old.
In Massachusetts, greater than one in 20 women aged 15-25 test positive for chlamydia. Even if you’ve had chlamydia before and received treatment, you can still get this STD again.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
One of the problems with having chlamydia is that you may not have any symptoms. This means you do not know to seek treatment and may unknowingly transmit this STD to your sexual partners.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, they may be a sign of chlamydia:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an odor
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Itching or burning in- or outside the vagina
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful periods
- Abdominal pain with fever
- Pain during sex
How is chlamydia diagnosed and treated?
Talk with your clinician about whether you should be tested for chlamydia, especially if you are sexually active. If you think that you may be at risk, get tested. Testing is the only way to know for sure. The test is quick and simple, and it can be performed in the office at Commonwealth OB-GYN.
Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Your clinician discusses treatments plan with you. If you and your partner are both infected, you should receive treatment at the same time. Avoid sex until your treatment is finished. You should also speak with your clinician about getting tested for other STDs.
What problems can chlamydia cause?
Untreated cases of chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage the fallopian tubes, cause infertility, and increase your risk of ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg develops outside the uterus).
If you are pregnant, chlamydia is problematic because this disease can cause premature birth and be transmitted to your baby.
You can protect yourself from this serious, but common, STD by using latex condoms during intercourse and limiting your number of sexual partners. Most importantly, when you notice symptoms, seek evaluation and treatment.
To find out more about chlamydia and STIs call Commonwealth OB-GYN right away to book a consultation. The earlier you are treated, the better your outcome.