Comprehensive Information Regarding Chlamydia:
The CDC estimates that 20 million new STDs occur annually in the U.S., with chlamydia being the most prevalent, affecting an estimated 3 million people each year. Caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis, chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection, explains Sarp Aksel, M.D., of Montefiore Health System.
According to the CDC, chlamydia is most common in those under 25, with women comprising more than 70% of reported cases. It is typically spread through sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex with someone who has the infection. Risk can be heightened through the sharing of sex toys, as well as genital-to-hand-to-genital and genital-to-hand-to-eyes contact. Vaginal, anal, and urethral areas can be infected by chlamydia, and although rare, it can also infect the throat or eyes. However, casual contact such as sharing food/drinks, kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on the toilet cannot transmit the infection, as stated by Aksel.
Indications Of Chlamydia
As noted by Pari Ghodsi, M.D., chlamydia is referred to as a "silent" infection, as less than 30% of women and only about 50% of men show symptoms of the disease. It is similar to resting bitch face, as many people with it are unaware of their condition.
It may take up to a few weeks after the initial infection for any signs or symptoms to show, per Maureen Whelihan, M.D., an ob/gyn at Elite GYN Care of the Palm Beaches. Also, the symptoms might be mild for weeks, even months, before becoming more obvious, she notes.Using a sex doll torso can also effectively avoid the risk of Chlamydia.
Symptoms of chlamydia may consist of:
Abnormal vaginal secretions
According to Aksel, changes in vaginal discharge such as stronger scent, yellow or green color may indicate a chlamydia infection. Other infections can cause changes in discharge color or amount, so it's wise to seek medical advice if you notice something is amiss, as Shepard adds.
Painful or frequent urination
If the infection is in the urethra, common symptoms may include discomfort, burning, or pain while urinating. An urge to urinate frequently is another sign which could be attributed to either a UTI or chlamydia, suggests Aksel. Therefore, before resorting to cranberry juice as a remedy, consider the possibility of a chlamydia infection.
Anal discomfort
If you experience any discomfort or abnormal discharge in the rectal region, it's advisable to see a healthcare provider soon as it may indicate chlamydia of the rectum. Even if you haven't engaged in anal intercourse, the fluid from an infected person can spread to the area during sexual activity, according to Whelihan. If you have had anal intercourse, it's vital to use condoms to reduce the risk of transmission of chlamydia and other STIs.
Experiencing discomfort in the lower pelvic or abdominal area.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can develop from untreated chlamydia, causing scarring and infertility in around 1 million American women annually. Undiagnosed STIs can also lead to infertility in up to 24,000 women each year, according to the CDC. Warning signs of PID include pelvic or lower abdominal pain which may be out-of-sync with a woman's menstrual cycle, notes Whelihan. It is important to take any such symptoms seriously and are are caught early, the symptoms are unlikely to worsen.
Differentiating between cycles
Dr. Whelihan notes that unexpected bleeding which occurs between periods may indicate an infection, particularly in women who are abstinent. This is especially true if the bleeding occurs after the introduction of a new form of contraception.
Pain or bleeding experienced during or after sexual activity
Chlamydia can lead to cervicitis, an inflammation of the cervix that can cause extra sensitivity or bleeding during sexual activity, according to Whelihan. If the infection progresses to PID, it may also result in a less enjoyable experience.
