Chlamydia: the silent std

Posted on July 20, 2009

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States today. Yet, since symptons are generally so mild it is also probably the most under reported as well. Hence its nickname “the silent STD.” In addition, while often considered a “woman’s disease,” chlamydia can strike anyone who is sexually active and is transmitted during oral and anal sex as well as vaginal intercourse, making homosexual males particularly vulnerable to infection. Having multiple partners can also put a person at greater risk, and it has been reported that women with chlamydia are “five times” more likely to develope HIV if exposed.”

While most women don’t seem to exhibit any outward symptons, some who are infected do experience painful intercourse, as well as abdominal and lower back pains, nausea and fever, and may have some bleeding between their normal periods. If left untreated, the bacteria that causes chlamydia can spread from the cervix and uretha to the uterus and fallopian tubes resulting in permanent damage that not only includes infertility, but severe ongoing pelvic pain and, in some cases, life threatening ectopic pregancies. If a woman is already pregnant when infected, the disease can cause premature labor and can spread from mother to newborn during delivery resulting in pneumonia and/or conjunctivitis

In men, chalmydia can cause rectal discharges and bleeding, as well as severe pain, burning and itching around the opening of the penis and/or abnormal discharges. It rarely causes sterility in males, however. Yet, those engaging in oral sex with an infected partner can also find that chalmydia bacteria can settle in their mouths and throats.

Anyone experiencing any of the above symptons should abstain from sex and get tested immediately. They should also alert their partners to the fact that they may have contracted the disease and urge them to be tested as well. If diagnosed early enough, chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with the use of asntibotics such as doxycycline and azithromycin. Still, anyone who has ever been infected should be sure to get tested again regularly (even if they have been cured) since they cannot always be certain that their partner(s) won’t reinfect them. It is also recommended that people use condoms to reduce their risks as much as possible. For more information, talk to your gynocologist or urologist.

Diana DuelGo : Hartford Wellness Examiner

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