Why is it so difficult for people to know if they have chlamydia? It’s because there are literally no noticeable symptoms. Although it’s scary to think that you may have chlamydia, it’s important to understand that you are not alone. There are about three million infections each year of this common STD bacteria.
Chlamydia is different from herpes or AIDS virus; it can be treated and cured.
However,
if not treated right away, it can lead to a score of health problems
such as cervical infection, which can lead to problems with your
fallopian tube and uterus. It can cause scarring, PID (pelvic
inflammatory disease) and infertility.
The
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) believes only 30
percent of all women will develop symptoms of this STD, which is why
it’s so hard to find. Some signs of the disease are often mistaken
for other reasons or overlooked. If you notice any of the following
signs happening to you, it’s imperative for you to seek a doctor’s
advice to make sure you’re not infected with the bacteria.
Painful
Sex
Painful
sex isn’t just a sign for chlamydia; it’s also a sign of stress,
no lubrication and some health problems. Why does painful sex occur
if you have chlamydia? It’s because the cervix’s cells are
fighting against the infection and your partner is causing further
irritation in an already-irritated region.
Irregular
Vaginal Bleeding
If
you notice bleeding in between your menstrual cycles or after you
have sex, it may be due to the fragile nature of the cervix cells
from the infection. The bacteria can cause you to bleed more often in
a month or after you have sex (due to the irritation).
Irregular
vaginal bleeding is caused by many other health conditions such as
uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. Be
sure to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
Smelly
Discharge
Chlamydia-related
vaginal discharge is a usually uncomfortable, thick, yellow-greenish
discharge with a pus-look. The body will generate white blood cells
to fight the bacteria invading the genital tract cells and cervix
glandular cells. This will cause even more discharge.
Symptoms
Similar To Urinary Tract Infection
People
with chlamydia may experience a dull pressure or some pelvic pain,
but it’s also a symptom of UTIs. If you feel like you have to go
pee even after you’ve peed or it burns when you pee, it could be
that the urethra is inflamed from the chlamydia bacteria.
When
you’re diagnosed with chlamydia, you may feel like your life has
ended. However, there is great news. Chlamydia isn’t like other
STDs such as herpes or AIDS; you can treat and rid yourself of the
bacteria.
Before
you are given antibiotics, your doctor will take a swab of your
vagina to confirm the diagnosis. If positive, he/she will prescribe
you antibiotics (usually, a one-dose prescription of Zithromax). The
CDC said there are other antibiotics that can also help with the
bacteria.
It’s
also important to let your partner or prior partners know about your
infection so they can also be tested and treated.
Since chlamydia has no real evident symptoms, women 25 and under and women with risk factors are urged to get tested regularly. Any pregnant woman should have an STD test done at the first prenatal visit.
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