The dangers of chlamydia infection
It’s time we discuss something quite uncomfortable yet important: Chlamydia. According to the World Health Organization, it remains the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is often dismissed as “not a big deal.” Spoiler alert: this is dangerous. Chlamydia is an STI that can be treated; however, neglect can cause serious, irreversible damage to one’s health. No judgement, just facts—let’s sift through the risks, symptoms, and the rationale for why timeliness is essential.
Chlamydia 101: The Silent Invader
Chlamydia is a bit of a cunning perpetrator. A staggering 70% of women and 50% of men affected by chlamydia never show symptoms. This is one of the reasons why it is referred to as the “silent” infection. As the chlamydia bacteria progresses and multiplies, you might feel perfectly normal while it engages in war upon your reproductive system.
How it spreads:
Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse
Sharing sex toys without proper sanitization.
During childbirth from mother to child
(happens when newborns develop pneumonia and eye infections)
The Hidden Dangers You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Chlamydia does not simply vanish; it multiplies. Here’s how it can impact your health long term:
1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Untreated chlamydia can ascend into the uterus and fallopian tubes in women, causing PID. This condition triggers:
Chronic pelvic pain.
Scarring that obstructs fallopian tubes, heightening the risk of ectopic pregnancy (a medical emergency that can be fatal).
A 10–15% chance of infertility.
2. Epididymitis in Men
You guys aren’t in the clear. The infection may progress to the epididymis (the duct behind the testicle) leading to:
Pain or tenderness of the scrotum which is swollen.
Rare but dangerous outcomes such as reduced fertility.
3. Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis affects both sexes, seven painful swelling of the joints that generally involves the knees, ankles, and feet. It can remain for a number of months or even years.
4. HIV Risk Increased
With Chlamydia comes inflammation and facilitates HIV entry into the body during unprotected intercourse.
5. Complications of Pregnancy
Women during pregnancy and with pelvic inflammatory disease risk.
Giving birth prematurely.
Delivering a baby with low body mass.
Transmitting the infection to the child.
Symptoms: Don’t Need A Flag To Wait
Absence of symptoms on diagnosis means chlamydia is present. As is the case in many conditions, the onset of chlamydia is symptomless. Even when these signs manifest, people dismiss them as trivial:
For women: abnormal vaginal discharge, burning sensation while urinating, slight bleeding sparingly between menses.
Men: painful urination with discharge from penis, and pain in the testes.
Both: anal-rectal pain (in case of anal intercourse), painful throat (if oral sex is performed).
In conclusion: Regular testing needs to be conducted if engaged in sexual activities regardless of the symptoms.
Testing & Treatment: Easier Than You Think
The best part? Chlamydia can be diagnosed and treated with relative ease.
Testing: A simple urine test or any one of the following swabs: vaginal, rectal or throat. Most clinics now offer no fee, or subsidized STI screening services.
Treatment: Prescribing a single course of antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, typically resolves the infection. Important: always complete the prescription, even in as symptoms may resolve.
Partner alerts: Recent sexual partners should be informed to enable them to be tested as well. If partners are not treated, the chances of reinfection are high.
Prevention: Your Best Defense
Chlamydia is preventable and here is how one can shield themselves.
Every time you have sex, use condoms or dental dams.
Reduce the number of sexual partners: The fewer partners one has, the less the risk.
If you are below 25 years of age, get tested every year. Also, if you have previously tested positive, then have new or multiple partners, get tested as well.
Do not douche as it alters vaginal flora resulting in an increased chance for new infections.
Myth-Busting: “Chlamydia isn’t Serious”
This myths can be dangerous and here is why you should:
Myth: “Only promiscuous people get chlamydia.”
Fact: The only criterion is being sexually active, irrespective of whether they have one partner or multiple partners.
Myth: “You’ll know if you have it.”
Fact: A good number of people don’t, and a test is the only way to be sure.
Myth: “Herbal remedies can cure it.”
Fact: Only antibiotics can effectively treat it, and protracting treatment results in serious repercussions.
The Main Points: Safeguard what matters to you the most, your future.
Chlamydia, like a lot of things, seems harmless at first. But it comes with grave consequences which include infertility, incessant pain, or even lifelong arthritis. Fortunately, avoiding these consequences is rather easy:
– Getting tested regularly.
– Practicing safe sex.
– Early treatment if diagnosed.
Maintaining your sexual health should be as important as everything else. Remember, don’t disregard your future. Do not assume anything and if possible, seek professional help. One visit could possibly be life changing.
Stay safe, remember to be informed while putting yourself first, and never apologize for what matters most to you. 💙
