Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through sexual contact with anyone. Presently, it is the leading Sexually Transmitted Infection throughout the world. Chlamydia should be treated as early as possible. If a person is infected with Chlamydia his/her primary concern will be – How long does it take to get rid of Chlamydia?
What Are The Causes And Risk Of Chlamydia?
People of any age and any sex have Chlamydia. However, the chances of its occurrence increase when unprotected sex is done with several partners. People under the age of 25 years are at a higher risk of having Chlamydia, especially women. During pregnancy, it is very important to get tested for Chlamydia, if there is a slightest doubt. The bacteria of Chlamydia may pass on to the baby during the birth.
Following are some of the common causes for the occurrence of Chlamydia:
- Oral sex with an infected person, without protection.
- Vaginal sex with an infected person, without protection.
- Anal sex with an infected person, without protection.
- Any kind of genital contact with an infected person.
What Are The Symptoms Of Chlamydia?
Usually, symptoms show up after two or three weeks of being infected. Following are the symptoms that occur in Chlamydia:
- You feel a burning sensation during urination.
- You have unusual discharge from vagina or penis.
- You feel pain in the abdomen.
- A woman feels pain during sexual intercourse.
- A man feels pain in the testicles.
If the infection spreads further, in some women, even the fallopian tubes can get infected. This may result in nausea, fever, and unusual bleeding between the periods. When the rectum is infected with Chlamydia, the area has pain, discharge and bleeding. Oral sex with a person having Chlamydia can cause infection in the throat, which makes swallowing very difficult. It is also accompanied by cough or fever.
How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed?
Chlamydia is often confused with gonorrhoea, due to similar symptoms. However, symptoms of Chlamydia are less severe than that of gonorrhoea. Sometimes a patient may have both.
When you go to a doctor, he will check your genitals for discharge and tenderness. High white blood cells count and fever are also the symptoms. Some cells from your vagina or urethra are swabbed and cultured, by the doctor to check type and extent of the bacterial infection. Urine samples are also sent to the laboratory for diagnosis.
If you are infected, it is advised to get your partner checked too, with whom you had a sexual contact within the past 60 days.
What Is The Treatment For Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by bacterial infection, so it is treated with some antibiotics. There are two medicines that are prescribed, usually. If you are given Azithromycin, it will be a single dosage. If you are prescribed Doxycycline, the dosage will be twice per day for a week, at least.
Your doctor may prescribe few other medicines too. For proper treatment, you have to follow the instructions and the dosage consumption carefully. Sexual contact should be avoided till you get treated or you may end up infecting your partner too. Chlamydia may take two weeks to cure, generally. You should get checked after four or five months of the treatment, to be sure whether Chlamydia has occurred again or not.
What Are The Side Effects Of The Treatment For Chlamydia?
There are no severe side effects when you are on medication for the treatment of Chlamydia. But following side effects may occur:
- Upset stomach
- Pain in stomach
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
What Are The Long Term Complications After Having Chlamydia?
Generally, people who get treated at an early stage of the infection are less likely to have any long term problem. But if you do not treat this disease soon, then you are more likely to face many physical problems. Following are the complications in males and females:
Complications In Male
If not treated in time, the epididymis in males may get inflamed and cause pain. Epididymis is a tube that holds the testicles in the proper position. If the infection spreads, it can harm the prostate gland and cause discomfort in lower back, pain during intercourse and fever.
Complications In Female
In some women, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) may develop. PID can damage the ovaries, cervix and uterus. This condition should get treated immediately by a medical professional.
In many cases, the fallopian tubes get scarred and the women become infertile. If the pregnant women get Chlamydia, there are chances the babies may get infected at the time of their birth. Such babies may develop pneumonia or eye infections.
It is advisable that you get tested as soon as you see any symptoms of Chlamydia. If you are infected, follow the treatment strictly.
Through What Can Chlamydia Not Be Transmitted?
- You cannot get infected by sharing a sauna with an infected person.
- The same goes for using a toilet seat that an infected person is using.
- You can also not get infected by touching a surface that any infected person has already touched.
- There is no spread of infection through swimming pool.
- If an infected person coughs or sneezes, you cannot infect yourself by breathing the same air.
- Infection even does not spread by working in the same office with any infected person.
How To Prevent Chlamydia From Occurring In The Future?
- Avoid sexual contacts with multiple partners.
- It is always advisable to use latex condoms during sexual intercourse.
- When the treatment is going on, you should abstain yourself from sexual contact with any person.
- You should get screened for Chlamydia every year, if you are sexually active.
This was some information regarding Chlamydia and how long does it take for Chlamydia to clear. If you have any query or suggestion regarding this article, feel free to drop it in the comment box.