When you regularly have unprotected sex, you risk catching one of many sexually transmitted infections (STI). One of the most common ones that many people contact, often without knowing it, is Chlamydia. You may develop symptoms that you notice, or a sexual partner may tell you they have the infection, and you will want to ensure that you get yourself tested immediately and seek treatment if necessary. Leaving Chlamydia untreated can lead to other conditions, including arthritis and infertility, so if you do contract this bacterial infection, you will want to receive treatment for it quickly. Below are what you expect regarding the symptoms of Chlamydia and what you can do about it.
Some Of The Symptoms Of Chlamydia
Various symptoms may develop when you contract Chlamydia, but these will not definitively diagnose your condition. Many STIs have similar symptoms, and the most common ones for Chlamydia are as follows:
Pain Urinating – A common symptom of Chlamydia in men and women is finding it painful when urinating.
Discharge – You can also have a discharge that comes from the penis, vagina, or anus and may also have a strong odour.
Painful Sex – You can also find that you suffer from pain while having sex which can be a warning sign of catching the infection.
Swollen Testicles – Men can also suffer from swollen and tender testicles, which can be highly uncomfortable and cause pain.
Bleeding – A common female symptom is bleeding after sex and between periods.
A Sore Throat – You can also develop Chlamydia in the throat, leaving it feeling painful and horse.
Pain In The Lower Stomach – You can also develop pain in the lower stomach which may indicate that you have contracted Chlamydia from a sexual partner.
If you develop one or more of these symptoms, there is a good chance you have contracted Chlamydia or another STI, so you will want to get yourself tested immediately. The test is simple and is done by testing your urine or taking a swab, and once your doctor knows you have contracted Chlamydia, they can select the best Chlamydia medication to treat your condition.
Treating Your Chlamydia
When you are diagnosed with Chlamydia, various treatments can be prescribed that can clear up the condition fast and get you back to normal again. Two medications are often prescribed to people with this condition; the most common is doxycycline. When you are given this medication, you must take one pill twice daily for a week, and it should clear up the condition, but you will have to wait a couple of weeks before you can have sex again.
The second most common medication for Chlamydia is azithromycin, and you take two tablets on the first day, and on the second and third days, you take one pill. If this does not clear the infection, you may be prescribed another course of this treatment, and it will usually clear the STI within a week or two. Whatever course of medication you are given, ensure you complete it and follow the instructions, and try practising safe sex to avoid contracting this or another STI in future.
