What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. You can get infected with Chlamydia by having any form of sex (anal, vaginal or oral), and it can cause major, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive organs.
Most significantly, 1 in 15 females aged 14-19 years has Chlamydia.
How do I know if I have it?
Also known as a “silent” infection, Chlamydia often shows no symptoms in infected people. In other cases, symptoms may not appear until several weeks after infection.
Women, who do have symptoms, may feel a burning feeling while urinating. They also may experience a discharge (mucus-like substance) from the vagina. Untreated infections can spread through the reproductive system and cause pelvic or abdominal pain.
Men may also experience a burning feeling while urinating or a discharge (mucus-like substance) from the penis. In some cases, men may experience pain or swelling in one or both testicles.
Can it be cured or treated?
Yes. Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics; however, it is important to not have sex until after antibiotic treatment is complete.
Wearing a male latex condom is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of Chlamydia infection. Of course, not having sex is the only way to be 100% sure you’re not infected. Remember, even if a partner does not have any symptoms, he or she can still have Chlamydia. Don’t assume. Get tested.
For more information about genital herpes and its symptoms, read the CDC post here: https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm
Need to get tested? Find a Mississippi health center near you: https://factnotfictionms.com/clinics.
