Chlamydia: What Is It, How Do You Catch It, & How To Treat It
When you have unprotected sex with a new partner, you are exposing yourself to many different STIs (sexually transmitted infections), and you will need to be cautious. One of the most common STIs you can contract is Chlamydia, and you do not have to have penetrative sex to catch this STI. Below you will find more information on what Chlamydia is, the symptoms when you have the condition, and how you can treat it effectively.
What Is Chlamydia?
The cause of Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, which is spread when two people become intimate. It is spread when someone who is infected with the STI is sexually active with someone who does not have it, and if left untreated, it can cause further complications, such as infertility and reactive arthritis.
How Do You Catch Chlamydia?
There are various ways to contract the Chlamydia bacteria, and one of the simplest ways is to engage in unprotected penetrative sex. You can catch the disease through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and you can also get it from using an unclean sex toy. If the genitals of an infected person come into contact with the genitals of an uninfected person, this can also transmit the bacteria. Coming into contact with the genital fluids of an infected person can also pass on the infection, and there are warning signs you may have contracted Chlamydia.
Symptoms Of Chlamydia Infection
Various warning signs and symptoms may show you have contracted Chlamydia from a sexual partner. However, many people display no symptoms and do not realise they have it and can then pass it on unknowingly if they have unprotected sex. Some of the symptoms of Chlamydia you will want to look out for can include:
- A Sore Throat
- A Discharge & Pain From The Anus
- Discharge From The Penis
- Discharge From The Vagina (Often Yellow Or White With A Strong Odour)
- It Is Painful Having Sex
- Pain Or Discomfort When Urinating
- Swollen Testicles That Are Tender To Touch
- A Pain In Your Lower Stomach
- Bleeding After Having Sex Or Between Periods
If you have any of the above symptoms, you will want to visit your doctor or your local sexual health clinic and seek Chlamydia treatment, and there are a couple of options available.
How To Treat Chlamydia
As a bacterial infection causes Chlamydia, you can treat it using antibiotics, and your doctor may prescribe a couple of options. Whichever antibiotic your doctor prescribes, it can quickly clear up the condition and get you back to normal. The two options are as follows:
Doxycycline: Doxycycline is the most effective treatment out of the two options, and you will take it twice a day for a week, which should clear the condition up.
Azithromycin: Azithromycin is the least effective of the two medicines, and you will take two 500mg tablets on day one and one table on the next two days. It is not as effective as Doxycycline, but as some people cannot take Doxycycline, it is a suitable treatment to help get rid of Chlamydia.
Follow the instructions for your prescribed treatment, and your condition should clear within a week. However, refrain from having unprotected sex for a couple of weeks, and you can still test positive for up to six weeks after treatment.