Español 
English 
Chlamydia Symptoms & Causes
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the US. Due to the absence of any outward symptoms in the early stages of the disease, chlamydia often gives rise to serious complications before it gets diagnosed.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1.8 million Americans suffered from chlamydia in 2018. Not just that, most of the patients don’t even know that they have it. That is why doctors recommend getting regular screenings and examinations.
In this article, we will go through the various symptoms and causes of chlamydia. We will also see how it spreads from one person to another. So, let’s get right into it.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
Almost all symptoms of chlamydia are similar to those of other STIs. But they are mostly present at the later stage of the disease.
A recent research report from the CDC states that only 5-30% of females and 10% of males show symptoms of the disease. The symptoms usually start appearing after two weeks of contracting the bacterial infection. Besides, scientists are yet to determine how long these symptoms can last.
Here is a detailed account of the symptoms of chlamydia in males and females.
In Males
Among the most frequently reported symptoms by men with chlamydia are tenderness, pain, and swelling in the urethra or the testicles. The signs and symptoms common to both sexes are mentioned afterwards.
In Females
In females, untreated chlamydia may spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Vaginal discharge is also common in female patients. Other symptoms include:
- Easy bleeding
- Painful and frequent urination
- Fluid discharge from the cervix
General Symptoms
Having anal or oral sex with an infected eprson has a huge impact on your rectal health. It spreads from the reproductive organs of your partner and affects your anus and rectum. Rectal pain and discharge are among the most common symptoms for both sexes.
What’s more, contact with the secretions of infected areas can lead to chlamydial conjunctivitis or pink eyes. The location of chlamydia depends on the way you have sex.
That is why medical experts recommend taking precautionary measures before having intercourse. They can help prevent the transmission of the bacterial infection.
Causes of Chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacteria involved in the spread of infection. Large populations of these bacteria can impact several body organs, including mouth, throat, lips, anus, urethra, cervix, and vagina.
Unprotected anal and oral sex are the key causes of the transmission of infection. In fact, it spreads through mild genital touch even without penetration. According to the National Institutes of Health, pregnant mothers with chlamydia are likely to pass on the infection to their babies.
Moreover, patients who have recovered from chlamydia can contract it again on having sex with an infected person.
Takeaway
If chlamydia progresses without being diagnosed, it can cause severe health issues. It can damage your reproductive organs and lead to fertility problems. To avoid this, you should stay in touch with your doctor or healthcare provider and get tested every month.
