Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease with scientists estimating that more than 3 to 4 million new cases occur each year! These increases add up to more new infections than any other STD. The most unfortunate aspect is that the disease is avoidable if preventive measures are taken when sexually active.

It is caused by a bacterium that is transmitted by sexual contact. Any sexual contact that causes your mucous membrane to get in touch with infected secretion may cause chlamydia. The complications of chlamydia are bad if it is left untreated. Learning more on this is essential so that you can prevent them.

Chlamydia - early symptoms

The early symptoms of chlamydia include- painful intercourse in women, vaginal discharge, penile discharge, difficult urination, etc. Sometimes these symptoms are very mild and are ignored. These symptoms appear after about two weeks of sexual contact. If chlamydia is left untreated it can cause serious complications. In the early stage antibiotics can clear chlamydia within a week or two and you are free of the disease.

Afterwards, it becomes a long drawn process to get treated. Therefore it is important that you get treated immediately as soon as you see any symptoms described above. Your doctor will take a swab and test you. If the test is positive, you will be prescribed antibiotics. Let us find out about the later complications.

Chlamydia and women

Women may lose fertility if chlamydia is left untreated. Untreated chlamydia leads to Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. This is an infection of the reproductive organs of women. She may get her ovaries, cervix, and uterus, fallopian tubes infected. If the diseases progresses, she may lose her ability to be fertile. Many times PID develops without showing any outer signs. Some women may have lot of pelvic pain with PID.

Chlamydia and men

Men may develop swelling and pain in the testicles. This is an inflammation that is quite painful. Men may also develop complications of the prostrate gland.

Chlamydia and eye infection

If you touch infected fingers to your eyes, you may infect your eyes. Please consult your doctor immediately if you suspect anything like that. For early prevention of sexually transmitted diseases you have to consult your doctor for your medical concerns.