Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Chlamydia
Sexual health plays an important role in fertility. Many STDs can cause scarring and inflammation, making it more difficult to conceive, even after the infection has been treated.
In the case of chlamydia, the infection can damage your reproductive health, if left untreated. The bacteria can cause PID which can do permanent damage to your reproductive system. PID can lead to inflammation, scarring, and blockage in your reproductive organs. In some cases, it can also cause ectopic pregnancy which can be deadly if the pregnancy isnt removed in time.
Chlamydia Trachomatis And Co
C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae are the two most common bacterial causes of lower genital tract infection. Clinical findings need to be corroborated with the laboratory investigations as the signs and symptoms of both are indistinguishable. Therefore, in the syndromic approach used in resource-limited settings, urethral discharge is simultaneously treated for both. C. trachomatis is recovered more often from women who acquire gonorrhoea than from similarly exposed women who do not acquire gonorrhoea. In individuals with gonorrhoea, there exists a 15-40 per cent higher risk of acquiring Chlamydia. Further, individuals infected with both C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae shed larger number of C. trachomatis than those infected with C. trachomatis alone. These data suggest that acquisition of a gonococcal infection either reactivates a persistent chlamydial infection or increases the susceptibility of the host to Chlamydia. Post-gonococcal urethritis is often due to C. trachomatis infection which is not cured by conventional therapy against gonorrhoea. Co-infection of C. trachomatis with N. gonorrheae has been reported to range between 1.1 to 67 per cent,,,,.
Testing For Chlamydia In Men
Diagnosing chlamydia in men involves getting a sample from every area at risk of infectionthis will depend on the type of sex you engage in or the symptoms you are experiencing. In men, this usually means a urine sample. Healthcare providers often specify that this should be a first catch sample to indicate that urine from the beginning of the stream should be evaluated in the chlamydia test.
Screening can help detect chlamydia, especially since most people dont develop chlamydia symptoms. Men who have sex with men should be screened as frequently as every 36 months. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force states that there isnt enough evidence to support or reject screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in other sexually active men .
If you are interested in getting screened, talk to your healthcare provider. In the meantime, staying aware of the symptoms of chlamydia and how it spreads is an excellent step for your sexual health.
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Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About A Chlamydia Test
Chlamydia testing can help you avoid lasting health problems and stop the spread of this disease. You can also take steps to protect yourself from getting chlamydia.
- Having sex with only one partner who has tested negative for STDs and who has sex only with you
- Using condoms correctly every time you have sex
How To Avoid Stds
To aid STD prevention, make sure you and/or your partner always use protection during sexual intercourse. Regular STD testing is another key step to take: while this wonât directly prevent STDs, it will let you know your status so you can get treatment for a sexually transmitted infection before it harms your health.
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How To Tell Your Partner You Have Chlamydia
The first thing you need to do when your test comes back positive is to tell your partner. Your sexual partner should know about the infection so that they too can be tested and treated. If you dont tell them about your condition, youre risking getting reinfected.
Here are some tips for handling the conversation:
- Educate yourself about the STD youve contracted so you can thoroughly explain to your partner what exactly you have, the treatment, and how you plan on keeping them safe.
- Inform your current or most recent sexual partner about a positive STD test by telling them face-to-face, or by calling them. Sending them a message is not the most respectful way.
- When telling them the news, stay calm and collected. Sit them down and tell them youve been tested. Tell them that the results are positive and discuss the next steps.
- Make sure you keep your partner from getting infected. Use condoms at all times, take antibiotics, and abstain from intercourse during your treatment.
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Can I Compare Pictures Of Chlamydia With My Own Body
This isnt a good way to tell if you have chlamydia although it may be tempting to look at pictures of chlamydia on the internet and compare this to any symptoms you are suffering or clinical signs you may have, this is not recommended because:
- Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms or signs
- There are a variety of symptoms of signs that may well not be due to chlamydia
- If you guess you have chlamydia, and get it wrong, you may well be missing another serious infection or medical condition
- The internet does not always give accurate information
- You cannot visualise your own genitalia properly
What if I compare pictures and I think they match? if you have any concerns you may have chlamydia you are strongly advised to have a chlamydia test. Remember even if you compare yourself with pictures and dont see matching symptoms, you could still have chlamydia without visible symptoms. This is very common.
What if I dont want to get tested? there is no good alternative. Chlamydia is a common infection, and it is easy to have a test and be treated if it is positive. Doctors and nurses are trained to deal with these issues, and they will do their best to put you at ease.
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What Does Normal Vaginal Discharge In Women Look Like
Vaginal discharge in women may have different colors and may be watery or thick during your menstrual cycle. It is usually white and consist of epithelial cells, bacteria including lactobacillus, fungi and cervical mucus.
Women discharge is the bodys natural way of protecting against infection. Vaginal pH is between 3.5 and 4.5 and this acidity is vital to prevent growth of bad bacteria and fungi.
Several types of discharge a woman could have are
- Clear mucus discharge
- Dark brown discharge
Vaginal discharge may be thick at both ends of your menstrual cycle or watery due to ovulation. It does not smell or cause vaginal itching.
Yellow mucus discharge and green mucus discharge in women are most likely due to an infection.
Prevention Of Chlamydia Infection
To prevent chlamydia infections, men and women should use condoms during sexual activity. The use of condoms helps reduce the chances of sexual infection. Always use fresh, new condoms for each sexual activity. Also, make a habit of regularly checking and screening for STDs, which include HIV. Special precautions should be taken by those who are sexually active with multiple partners. Care and caution should be taken during sexual play, which will be beneficial for oneself and ones partners, too.
Also, never indulge in sexual activity with unknown persons or with a person whom you have known for only a short while. Make sure you interact with the right type of person to avoid unnecessary problems.
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Toxicity And Side Effect Management
In neonates being treated for chlamydial infection, both azithromycin and erythromycin are associated with a risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. This is particularly a concern for infants two weeks old or younger. Parents and physicians should observe infants closely for any signs of intestinal obstruction.
Complications Of Oral Chlamydia
Chlamydia of the throat does not lead to complications in that area. The biggest concern with oral chlamydia is that people without symptoms are more likely to continue having sex and spreading the infection to other people.
Long-standing chlamydia infection most commonly leads to pelvic inflammatory disease , an infection and inflammation of the uterus and fallopian tubes. People with PID often have difficulties getting pregnant or are at risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Chlamydia infection can also cause an inflammatory reaction throughout the body that causes joint pain or conjunctivitis, an inflammation or infection in the eye.
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Whats The Worst That Could Happen
For women, a chlamydia infection can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease , an infection of parts of the reproductive system like the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. That means if you have chlamydia and you dont get it treated, you might not be able to have babies if and when you want to. PID can also lead to problems like chronic pelvic pain or ectopic pregnancy.
In men, untreated chlamydia may spread to the testicles, causing pain, and in rare cases, infertility.
Chlamydia infection also increases your likelihood of getting HIV. Pregnant women who have chlamydia can pass it on to their babies during birth, which could cause blindness or lung damage.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections Found In Animals
One out of four humans will die due to a sexually transmitted disease. Its something that weve all been taught to protect ourselves from, even if everyone isnt as diligent as they should be.
However, while many sexually transmitted illnesses are commonly known to affect humans, we arent the only species on the planet that can contract them. From HIV to herpes to brucellosis, the animal kingdom has its own fair share of problems when it comes to sexually transmitted infections .
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Does Chlamydia Go Away In Men
As a bacterial infection, chlamydia can be treated and cured with the right course of antibiotics. Left untreated, chlamydia symptoms may ease up for a short time but the infection can spread throughout the body and cause future complications.
Remember, if you test positive for chlamydia, your partners will also need to test for chlamydia and receive treatment even if theyre experiencing no symptoms.
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One of the most reliable ways to keep an eye on your sexual health is through regular sexual health screening. This can be done with your doctor or from home with an at-home lab test.
If youd prefer to get tested for chlamydia from home, LetsGetCheckeds range of at-home STI Tests allows you to do just that. Your online results will be available in just 5 days and our team of dedicated nurses will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Plus, if you test positive, you will receive a prescription free of charge.
You should also consider taking a test if:
- You become sexually active
- You have had unprotected sex
- Youre experiencing symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection
- Youre entering into a new sexual relationship
- You have received a notification from a previous partner that they are infected
References
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How Chlamydia Diagnosis Process Is Carried On In Men
Early treatment of Chlamydia is essential to have a healthy life ahead. In case if you had unprotected sex with your recent partner then you must get tested for STIs as soon as possible. This test can be carried out at any local GUM clinic or GP. With improved facilities of digital world, patients can also order Chlamydia test kits to their home from online sources.
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What Are The Potential Complications
If treated in time, chlamydia causes no lasting concerns. Untreated chlamydia can lead to complications as the infection spreads to other areas of the body.
Untreated chlamydia may cause sexually-acquired reactive arthritis, which includes skin, eye and joint problems. It is also associated with a higher chance of getting HIV.
In women, complications may include difficulty getting pregnant, ectopic or tubal pregnancy or pelvic inflammatory disease . See HealthLinkBC File #08c Pelvic Inflammatory Disease for more information.
In men, complications may include an infection in the testicles, which can lead to infertility.
Types Of Abnormal Discharge
For instance, a woman can experience a green vaginal discharge or an unusual brown discharge.
Below are a few conditions that can cause abnormal vaginal discharge
- Using antibiotics or steroids
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Birth control pills
- Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea
- Yeast infections
- Feminine products like scented soaps, douches, or bubble baths
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
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Those Who Are Considered High Risk Include:
- Men and women who have multiple partners
- Men and women who have sex without a condom
- Men who have sex with men
- Those who currently have another sexually transmitted infection
- Those with an infected partner
Chlamydia is diagnosed through two simple tests. The first is through testing a sample of your urine to determine if the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria is present.
Secondly, your doctor may get a swab sample to further test for the bacteria. For women, a swab will be taken of the cervix and can often be done during a routine pap smear. In most cases, only the urine test is performed.
Chlamydia is treated through oral antibiotics. It is recommended that any person that you have had sexual contact with in the last 60 days also be treated. This is an important step in preventing a further spread of the infection.
Once you have had chlamydia you can be reinfected. So your partner also needs to get antibiotics in order to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
You are still able to spread chlamydia while on antibiotics. It is advised to avoid sexual contact for seven days after you complete a full round of antibiotics. Even if you are no longer experiencing any symptoms. It is recommended to get retested three months after you complete your treatment.
When Should You Be Concerned
While some changes in color may not be anything to worry about, there are certain times when you should take note and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If youre experiencing any of the following symptoms, then its best to consult with a healthcare professional as you may have an STD or an infection.
- An unusual vaginal discharge thats different from your normal discharge.
- A change in the smell of your vaginal discharge.
- Pain or burning when urinating.
- Pain during sex.
- Unusual bleeding, such as bleeding between periods or after sex.
- If youre pregnant and experiencing any of these symptoms.
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When Can I Have Unprotected Sex After Chlamydia Treatment
Even if your chlamydia infection has been cured, its not recommended to practice unsafe sex. Having your STD treated doesnt guarantee that the infection will never come back. In fact, many people become infected with STDs multiple times because they continue to have unprotected sex with partners who have untreated STDs.
If you have a regular sexual partner, tell them about your infection so they can get treatment as well. Once youre sure you both got treated, you have to wait until the treatment has had time to be effective before you start having unprotected sex again.
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Reproduction And Life Cycle Of Chlamydia
As mentioned, there are three species of Chlamydia responsible for human infections. These include C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and C. psittacci. However, there are different ways in which each of the species infect human beings.
Whereas C. trachomatis is sexually transmitted from one human being to another, C. psittaci, which infects birds, can be transmitted through contact with such birds as parrots causing parrot fever. In human beings, these infections are mostly asymptomatic which can contribute to their spread.
The incubation period has also been shown to vary between strains within these species. While this may take a few days in some strains of C. trachomatis, it can take months to several years in the strains of C. pneumoniae.
Chlamydia Bacteria infections also cause different diseases/illnesses in human beings: C. psittaci may cause pneumonia or mild illnesses, C. trachomatis are responsible for sexually transmitted diseases, while C. pneumoniae is responsible for infections in the upper and lower respiratory tract.
Diseases caused by Chlamydia can also be divided based on the mode of transmission. There are two main categories that include transmission through direct contact and transmission through the respiratory route. In the case of inclusion conjunctivitis, trachoma, or lymphogranuloma, the transmission of C. trachomatis may occur through contaminated fingers , using a contaminated towel and through an infected birth canal in neonates.
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What Happens If I Dont Get Treated
The initial damage that chlamydia causes often goes unnoticed. However, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems.
If you are a woman, untreated chlamydia can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes . This can cause pelvic inflammatory disease . PID often has no symptoms, however some women may have abdominal and pelvic pain. Even if it doesnt cause symptoms initially, PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system. PID can lead to long-term pelvic pain, inability to get pregnant, and potentially deadly ectopic pregnancy .
Men rarely have health problems linked to chlamydia. Infection sometimes spreads to the tube that carries sperm from the testicles, causing pain and fever. Rarely, chlamydia can prevent a man from being able to have children.
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