Chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection among the sexually transmitted diseases and affects both men and women. Most people do not even know that they have it, as some of them get no symptoms. Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis; it is spread during sexual intercourse. It infects the cells along the center of the passageway that is between the vagina and the uterus that is the endocervix. It does not affect the cells in the vagina. However it can affect the cells in the urethra that lead to the bladder or the rectum. After the infection in the lower genital area it may spread to the upper reproductive area if left untreated. The spread of this infection can scar and block the fallopian tubes where the sperm and eggs generally mate.
Most people have no symptoms but in some cases there might be symptoms like frequent urination, abnormal vaginal discharge and burning in your vagina or urethra, painful intercourse, dull pelvic pain, heavier periods or bleeding between menstrual periods, whitish or yellowish discharge from the penis in men, enlarged prostate due to infection, night sweats, fever, low back pain, bladder infections, pain experienced during intercourse, inflamed rectum, etc. There is also another kind of sexually transmitted bacterial infection called gonorrhea that might accompany chlamydia.
You need to see a doctor soon, as early treatment with the recommended antibiotics will stop the spread and will treat it fully before it causes any permanent damage. Do not hide the fact from your doctor that you or your partner have had unprotected sex. Your doctor needs to have the correct information in order to diagnose your problem correctly and treat it accordingly. Leaving out the facts might result in incorrect diagnosis and treatment that might be harmful for you. Also, do not try to treat the infection by yourself as this is usually not successful. In addition, chlamydia is very contagious, and if you are infected you are likely to spread it to your partner. Both you and your partner need to see a doctor and be treated for the same. Ignoring chlamydia will not make it go away, so see a doctor and begin your treatment as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, avoid sexual intercourse if possible, or at least use proper protection. Go for a regular medical check up, take your medicines on time and do not miss your medications.
answered by G R