What Are The Symptoms For Chlamydia? Treatment And More

It is no secret that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise. The staggering number of STD cases in the United States continues on an upward trend even though public sex education is being emphasized in many locations across the country.  Gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes and Chlamydia are among the diseases that can be transmitted through sexual contact.  The symptoms for Chlamydia are what we are going to focus on with this article.

While some STDs can create problems that are impossible to ignore the symptoms for Chlamydia are not that easy to detect. Although Chlamydia is certainly a very common STD the symptoms can be overlooked or attributed to other causes.

It is very important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of Chlamydia. This sexually transmitted disease can be spread from one partner to the other very easily. Statistics show that almost 50% of males who have Chlamydia do not show any signs or symptoms. Nearly 80% of females who are infected with Chlamydia are unaware that the disease is present.

In many instances a Chlamydia infection will be easier to detect during the first weeks that the disease is present in your body. Learning the symptoms for Chlamydia will help you get the necessary treatment needed to protect your health.

Symptoms for Chlamydia in a Female:

• Increased pain during menstrual cycle
• Painful intercourse
• Burning or pain with urination
• Unusual discharge from the vagina (may or may not have a detectable odor)
• Vaginal itching
• Breakthrough bleeding
• Burning in the vaginal area
• Pain in the lower abdomen/ low-grade fever usually accompanies this symptom

*Women are more likely to experience symptoms of Chlamydia than men.  These symptoms are still vague, and can be mistakenly attributed to other conditions. You may have to ask for a specific test that will be able to detect a Chlamydial infection.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in a Male:

• Burning or pain with urination
• Penile discharge- may be cloudy or clear
• Testicles may become painful
• Swollen testicles
• Sensations of itching or burning may be noticed at the tip of the penis

Safe and Quick Treatment for Chlamydia

Once a doctor has diagnosed the presence of Chlamydia you will be given a course of oral antibiotics. It is important that you take these pills according to the directions. Do not skip doses and always finish the antibiotics as you have been instructed.

Most patients will be prescribed Doxycycline or Zithromax. Patients with specific allergies may have to take different antibiotics from the two medicines that have been listed.  Most symptoms for Chlamydia will respond quickly to the medication and many people feel better in just a few days. It will take 7-21 days for the disease to be completely eliminated from your body.

Severe Chlamydial Infections

There are some individuals who have allowed their Chlamydia infections to be left untreated. This has resulted in more severe infections. In this type of situation a doctor may have to admit the patient to a hospital and treat the infection with IV antibiotics.

Pain medication is not usually required when treating Chlamydial infections. An analgesic might be prescribed to relieve any discomfort. The use of stronger pain medication will be a decision that the physician and patient must discuss together.

Serious Complications

Women who do not have their symptoms for Chlamydia treated properly are risking their health.  An untreated infection can result in an ectopic pregnancy or a premature birth. Some females with untreated Chlamydia have developed severe PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).

There is also a chance that Chlamydia could lead to future infertility issues. This STD can also be contracted by your baby if you choose to have a vaginal delivery.

Diagnosing Chlamydial Infections

You can be checked for Chlamydia at your local health clinic. You could also choose to go to a private physician. In either situation the diagnosis procedure will be essentially the same. You will be asked to give a urine specimen which will be screened for the presence of any Chlamydia bacteria. 

Females will also undergo a pelvic examination.  Any unusual discharge (male or female) that is noticed will be collected with a swab and then sent to the lab for screening and identification purposes.

Follow-up Treatment for Chlamydia

When an individual is diagnosed with Chlamydia they should tell their sexual partner. Chlamydia can be transmitted through even a brief sexual encounter. Alerting your partner will make it possible for this individual to be checked for the presence of Chlamydia, and be treated if necessary.

Any person who is diagnosed with Chlamydia should refrain from sex until the infection has been successfully treated. Even if you are not experiencing any symptoms for Chlamydia the disease could still be present. Only a health professional can tell you when the infection has completely disappeared.