In the United States, chlamydia is the most common of the sexually transmitted diseases. A bacterial infection, chlamydia infects approximately 5% of people. The most likely who will contract chlamydia are African-Americans, people who live in urban areas, teenagers and young adults, and ones who fall into the low end of the socioeconomic category. The bacterial cause of this, Chlamydia trachomatis.
Chlamydia can be transferred from one person to another by sexual means and from a mother to her unborn child during delivery. This bacteria can cause eye infections in an infant and/or pneumonia. Women with chlamydia generally exhibit no symptoms, but bleeding between menses or after intercourse, abdominal pain, dysuria, and vaginal discharge can be seen in some cases. As well, men who contract chlamydia are usually symptom-free. However, they too can have a discharge, dysuria, and/or difficulties in the testicular region.
Diagnosis for chlamydia is done through microscopic evaluation and/or cultures of the discharge, urine testing, and blood work. Because many chlamydia sufferers are also prone to other STDs, tests will be done for that as well. Treatment for chlamydia consists of a course of antibiotics.
If you feel that you may have chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted disease it is important to see your physician as soon as possible. If left untreated, chlamydia can worsen and cause pelvic inflammatory disease in a woman or testicular problems of a more severe nature in a man. If you are diagnosed with chlamydia it is important to let any sexual partners that you may have come into contact with that you have this problem. As always, prevention of chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted disease is dependent upon being responsible. Abstinence or using a condom is a reliable means of protection. Avoid sexually transmitted diseases by practicing safe sex at all times.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.