Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. It’s caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
The good news? Chlamydia is easily treatable if caught early. But if ignored, it can lead to serious health problems—especially for women.
How Do You Get Chlamydia?
You can get chlamydia by:
– Having sex without a condom
– Sharing unwashed sex toys
– Giving or receiving oral sex from an infected partner
– A pregnant woman can also pass it to her baby during childbirth
Symptoms of Chlamydia
It is often called a “silent” infection because most people don’t notice symptoms, especially in the early stages.
In Women:
– Abnormal vaginal discharge
– Burning or pain while urinating
– Pain during sex
– Lower belly pain
– Bleeding between periods
In Men:
– Discharge from the penis
– Burning while urinating
– Pain or swelling in the testicles
In Both (If Rectal Infection):
– Pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum
Why is It Serious
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause:
– Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility
– Epididymitis in men, a painful condition of the testicles
– Higher risk of HIV infection
– Complications in pregnancy, including premature birth
How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed?
Testing is simple and includes:
– A urine test
•A swab from the vagina, cervix, urethra, or rectum
If you’re sexually active, especially under 25, regular testing is recommended—even if you feel fine.
Treatment
– this is treated with antibiotics (usually doxycycline or azithromycin).
– Both partners must get treated to avoid reinfection.
– Avoid sex for 7 days after completing treatment.
Prevention Tips
– Use condoms consistently and correctly
– Get tested regularly if you’re sexually active
– Limit your number of sexual partners
– Don’t share sex toys, or clean them between uses
Final Thoughts
Chlamydia may not always show symptoms, but it can cause lasting damage if ignored. The best protection is prevention, regular testing, and getting treated early. If you suspect you have it or are at risk, don’t wait—get tested, get treated, and protect your health.