Chlamydia: The “Silent Infection”

One of the most common and prevalent bacterial STD’s in the United States is Chlamydia. Both men and women are susceptible to Chlamydia, but as with most STD’s women carry a greater burden due to possible complications and consequences of the disease. If women go untreated, Chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, increase the risk for infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia can also lead to infertility in men although it is less common, along with inflammation of the urethra and epididymitis, which is inflammation of sperm-carrying ducts.
 

When infected with Chlamydia a person may experience a few symptoms or none at all. Men can experience symptoms such as painful urination, a slight watery discharge from the penis, and sometimes pain around the testicles. Women may notice increase in vaginal discharge, burning with urination, pain or bleeding with intercourse, and lower abdominal pain. It is important to note that the most common symptom of Chlamydia is no symptom at all, so just because you are not experiencing genital pain does not mean you do not have an STI.

Chlamydia is diagnosed through a laboratory test of a urine sample or a small amount of fluid from the urethra, cervix, rectum, or vagina. Chlamydia is completely treatable by antibiotics. It is never a good idea to go untested if you are sexually active and especially if you are having any of the symptoms above. Give yourself some peace of mind about being STD free by scheduling an appointment at any of our four Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma locations during the month a April to receive the “Peace of Mind Package,” which test for 8 STD’s, and provides a “safe sex kit” for better protection in the future.  Call (405) 528-2157 to set up your appointment today. #GetYourselfTested