|
How do i find out if i have Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most widespread and curable
bacterial sexually transmitted diseases or infections
in the United States. It is estimated that more than 3 million Americans
are infected every year.
Symptoms of a Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia is sometimes called the “silent” disease
because you can have it and not know it. Symptoms usually appear within
1 to 3 weeks after being infected. Those who do have symptoms may have
an abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) from the vagina or penis or experience
pain while urinating. These early symptoms may be very
mild.
The infection may move inside your body if it is not treated. Bacteria
can infect the cervix, fallopian tubes, and urine canal in women, where
they can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In men the bacteria
can cause epidydimitis (inflammation of the reproductive area near the
testicles). PID and epidydimitis are two very serious illnesses.
The bacteria that cause Chlamydia also can cause inflammation of the
rectum and lining of the eye (conjunctivitis or “pink eye”).
The bacteria also can infect your throat from an oral
sexual encounter with an infected partner.
Symptoms in Women
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina between periods
- Abnormal discharge from your vagina
- A burning sensation when you urinate
- Pain in the area between your belly button and
your sexual organs, sometimes with fever and an upset
stomach
Symptoms in Men
- A burning sensation when you urinate
- A watery white or yellow drip from your penis
How do you get Chlamydia? Transmission of Chlamydia.
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease or infection. That means
that it is transmitted during either vaginal, oral or anal sex. In addition,
gonorrhea can be passed on to babies during birth if the mother has Chlamydia
How do I know for sure if I have Chlamydia? Chlamydia
Testing.
The most positive way to know if you have Chlamydia is to be tested.
There is a urine test offered by Private Diagnostics that can tell you
for sure if you have Chlamydia. It does not require a physical examination
or a swabbing of the penis or vagina. Results are available to you by
Private Diagnostics within 24-72 hours.
Chlamydia is easily confused with gonorrhea because
the symptoms of both diseases are similar and the diseases
can occur together, though rarely.
Why get treatment?
Besides the fact that the symptoms of Chlamydia can be very painful,
the long term effects of untreated Chlamydia can cause serious injury
to you and your family. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause
- Infections of the sexual organs of women which
cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- An inflammation of the reproductive area around
the testicles for men which may cause pain, swelling
and an inability to have children
How is it treated?
Chlamydia is treated by taking antibiotics.
It is important to take all the medicine that is prescribed
for you. It is also important that your sex partner(s) get treatment
at the same time, otherwise, you will continue to re-infect each other.
It is also recommended that you have another laboratory test completed
between 3 to 6 weeks after the completion of your antibiotics in order
to be sure that the Chlamydia is gone.
| 
