Chlamydia
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What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can infect men and women. It is especially dangerous for women if left untreated. It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system, including making it difficult for a woman to become pregnant or causing ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).
What Causes Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis and is spread by having sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) with someone infected with chlamydia.
If you are a man, it is still possible to spread chlamydia even if you do not ejaculate.
If you are a pregnant woman, you can spread chlamydia to your baby during childbirth.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Unfortunately, Chlamydia can often be difficult to detect because early-stage infections typically don’t cause noticeable symptoms. Symptoms of Chlamydia generally start around week two of exposure and may be mild. Once you’re exposed to the infection (and know about it), it is recommended that you do not engage in sexual activity until the infection is completely gone, as this infection is easily passed on.
Signs and symptoms of Chlamydia may include:
Painful urination
Lower abdominal pain
Vaginal discharge (for women)
Discharge from the penis (for men)
Pain during intercourse (vaginal or anal)
Heavy bleeding between periods (for women)
Testicular pain (for men)
Diagnosis and Treatment for Chlamydia
The only way to know for sure if you’ve been infected with Chlamydia is to be diagnosed by a lab test. Luckily, many online doctors can order a variety of STD tests, including a test for Chlamydia. These tests are generally administered in-person at a lab near you.
However, there are now a handful of online companies that offer at-home STD tests that you can take in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Fortunately for the four million people infected with Chlamydia each year, this disease is easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by a medical professional.
Chlamydia is also completely curable.
Where to Get Treatment for Chlamydia
Popular at-home STD and STI testing kit providers include: