Among all types of sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia is the most common. Although it is curable with antibiotics, infections left untreated for long can give rise to severe conditions in future. Read this blog to know the benefits of having a health check up in London and arrange for a timely diagnosis of Chlamydia if you appear the effects of Chlamydia. But before that, let’s have a quick introduction to this STD!
What Is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium, known as Chlamydia trachomatis. The germ is transmitted through unprotected sexual activity – in which individuals come into contact with contaminated body fluids. For example: semen, pre-cum, vaginal secretions etc.
As per current health records, more than 130 million individuals suffer from this STD each year globally, which is very unfortunate! And guess the worst part? This infection hardly exhibits any symptoms at an early stage until the health of the suspected significantly deteriorates. So, here’s a list of signs that one must not overlook!
- Pain while urinating
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina
- Testicular pain
- Unusual bleeding between periods
- Pain while having sex
Despite these symptoms being present during the onset of this infection, they appear so mild that one may easily miss out on them. Thus, be aware and better get an STD screening in advance from a certified healthcare centre.
Five long-term effects of Chlamydia that you may expect
As already mentioned, Chlamydia does not present any notable symptoms. This often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, worsening the infection with time. Here’s what prolonged absence of treatment results in:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (or PID) is a disorder that affects the female reproductive parts. When the infection travels through the vagina and reaches up to the upper regions of the reproductive tract, vital organs like the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries get affected. Similar to chlamydia itself, the initial symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease are moderate and can be difficult to identify. Typical signs include:
- Mild to severe pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal region
- Heavy and unusual discharges, often associated with a foul smell
- Unexpected bleeding during or after sexual intercourse
- Menstrual issues like abnormal and irregular periods
- Feeling to urinate more often (often associated with pain and difficulty)
- High fever
When such a condition turns chronic, it can cause immense damage to the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This may subsequently lead to infertility issues.
Epididymitis
While long-term reproductive problems in men happen rarely, prolonged untreated cases may cause inflammation of the epididymis. It is a highly coiled tube located behind the testicles and is responsible for sperm storage and transportation. In some scenarios, the infection may travel up to the testicles and cause epididymo-orchitis. Here’s what to expect:
- Swelled-up scrotum, often associated with redness
- Pain or tenderness in the testicles (may be restricted to one side)
- Abnormal penile discharge
- Blood in semen
- Pelvic pain, which often reaches to the lower abdomen
- Urge to urinate more than usual
Reactive Arthritis
Chlamydia, triggering arthritis, is very rare. However, in prolonged undetected cases of chlamydia, an individual may develop ‘reactive arthritis’. It is similar to other forms of arthritis, inflaming the joints of the knees, ankles, feet, etc. However, it can spread to the eyes, urethra, and skin, potentially infecting them. Apart from pain and stiffening of joints, one may expect the symptoms mentioned below.
- Open sores and ulcers around the mouth region
- Rashes on hands and feet, particularly affecting the palms and soles
- Pain in lower back that worsens during nighttime
- Urinary problems
- Swelling up of fingers and toes
Ectopic Pregnancy
Chlamydia, if left undiagnosed for long, can increase the chances of ectopic pregnancy. Now, what is an ectopic pregnancy? It is a condition in which a fertilised egg gets implanted outside the uterus. This leads to an abnormal gestation, which may become fatal if medical guidance is not obtained on time. The consequences of an ectopic pregnancy are:
- Miscarriage: This happens when implantation occurs in the fallopian tube. The embryo fails to get enough space and blood supply to survive, and hence, it dies.
- Stillbirths: If the pregnancy remains at least up to 24 weeks and then the baby is born, it comes out dead. (or stillborn)
Heightened risk of fertility problems
Chlamydia can incur damage to the reproductive organs excessively and cause tissue-scarring to them. As a consequence, individuals may suffer from a higher risk of become infertile.
Chlamydia testing
Diagnosing chlamydia early is the first step to obtaining proper treatment. With the help of private healthcare clinics, one can now easily get themselves checked for the presence of this infection. To make the process even more convenient, several home-testing kits are available in the market. Once you are done with the testing procedure, send the report to a reputed laboratory for analysis. Moreover, you will get to choose from a list of specialised GPs to analyse your reports. This helps in planning subsequent steps for a better treatment approach.
Conclusion
If you plan to conceive, consider getting tested for STDs so as to prevent long-term complications. Not only does this help in checking the presence of sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia, but it also provides insights about your reproductive health. So, hurry up and book a full body check up in London now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does chlamydia take to subside?
Chlamydia is treatable and generally resolves on its own within one or two weeks. However, care must be taken so that symptoms do not flare up. It is better to consult with your doctor before stopping medications.
Will chlamydia come back even after I fully recover?
Well, there is a possibility of recurrence of this disease. According to a study, chlamydia germ can live in the gastrointestinal tract in dormant form and reinfect the genitals under favourable conditions. Worry not- go for routine follow-ups and do whatever the doctor says, that’s it!
What antibiotic is the best for treating chlamydia?
The two most commonly prescribed antibiotics for chlamydia treatment are doxycycline and azithromycin. The former is recommended every day for up to a week, and the latter has to be taken every alternate day.
Can I have sex after recovering from chlamydia?
The germ of chlamydia may remain active even after you feel apparently ‘better’. Thus, it is best not to engage in sex as long as the doctor confirms your recovery. Also, continue taking medicines till the course is fully completed.