Do you know that certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are silent diseases? Whether you are a man or a woman, you may be infected with an STD and not be aware of it, since the symptoms are not shown or particularly seen.
Chlamydia is a disease that falls under the STD category. Both men and women are affected by chlamydia disease. It is estimated that close to 2.86 million chlamydia infections occur every year in the U.S. Chlamydia infection is most common among young women, ages 14 to 19. One out of every 15 women in this age group in the U.S. is estimated to have chlamydia disease.
Chlamydia disease, like other STDs, is transmitted in both men and women through vaginal and anal sex. In addition, chlamydia disease also occurs as cross-infections in infected men and women by touching the eyes with hands, sharing wash clothes, etc. At the same time, there is no fear of transmission of chlamydia disease in men and women by mere touching, sharing cups and bathroom, as we note in STDs.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia disease?
Symptoms of chlamydia are often unseen or unnoticed in men and women who acquire this STD. In three-fourths of women and one-fourth of men in the U.S., symptoms of chlamydia disease are not even seen.
There is an incubation period of seven to 21 days after which certain drastic symptoms of chlamydia disease may be seen in a few men and women.
The symptoms of chlamydia disease in women include:
• Bleeding between periods
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Lower abdominal pain and associated nausea
• Heavier periods than usual
• Burning sensation during urination
Symptoms of chlamydia disease in men include:
• Unusual discharge (white/cloudy or watery) from the tip of the penis
• Pain or burning sensation while passing urine
• Testicular pain
• Swelling of the testis
• Swelling and pain around the opening of the penis
What Are the Treatments of Chlamydia Disease in Men and Women?
Though diagnosing chlamydia disease in men and women can be a huge challenge since the symptoms remain hidden, treatment for chlamydia is relatively simple. Normally antibiotics, such as Doxycycline, Zithromax, and Zithromax Z-Pak, are prescribed for both men and women who have chlamydia disease. It should be noted that chlamydia disease treatment should be given to both men and women who are sexual partners. Often, reinfection can occur if the both partners of a sexual relationship are not treated for chlamydia disease.
What Are the Complications of Chlamydia Disease in the Absence of Treatment?
In the absence of treatment, serious complications can occur in both men and women due to chlamydia infection.
In women, lack of appropriate treatment can lead to:
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Sterility
• Inability to get pregnant
• Miscarriage
• Pneumonia in the new born
• Long-term pelvic pain
In men, lack of treatment of chlamydia can lead to:
• Painful inflammation of testicles
• Lesser sperm production
• Sterility
• Inflammation of joints, urethra and eyes (Reiter’s syndrome)
It is best advised that men and women regularly visit a doctor and rule out chlamydia disease at the slightest doubt of a possible symptom. Also, it is very essential for both men and women to take treatment once chlamydia disease has been diagnosed.
Like other STDs, chlamydia can be prevented in both men and women by adhering to hygienic intercourse practices.
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