Chlamydia 101 – All You Need To Know
What does Chlamydia mean? Have you ever come across this word? Well, Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacteria, that causes Chlamydia in human beings, a sexually transmitted infection.
This disease does not show any symptoms at its early stage. But, if not treated, it can cause severe health problems. Thus it requires regular treatment with the guidance of the doctor. Due to no symptoms at an early stage, the infection spreads easily. This means that the infection passes to the sexual partners with no knowledge about it. According to a survey, 75% of women and 50% of men infected do not experience any symptoms at the early stages.
Chlamydia Symptoms
Chlamydia is diagnosed should be treated as soon as possible because they show symptoms late. Generally, they show the symptoms within 1 to 3 weeks after contact. Women and men may experience different symptoms, which are:
Symptoms in Men
- Swelling and pain around the testicles
- Cloudy or clear discharge (yellow or green) from the tip of your penis
- Burning sensation while urination
- Itching and burning around your penis opening
Symptoms in Women
- Vaginal discharge, with odor
- Painful periods
- Pain while having sex
- Burning or itching around the vagina
- Lower abdominal pain and fever
Apart from these, it can affect other parts of the body. Such as the anus being discomfort and discharge, redness, pain, and discharge in the eyes, and more.
How is Chlamydia caused?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection and having sex without a condom, and unprotected oral sex might lead to transmission. Even touching the genitals together transmits the infection. Newborn babies might acquire Chlamydia during their month from their infected mother. However, most pregnancy tests include a Chlamydia test. Often, people get Chlamydia infections when they have sex with multiple partners.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia sounds like a huge bacterial infection. However, it is easy to treat. Thus, you need not panic. Being bacterial, it can be cured with antibiotics. The test for Chlamydia will ensure the level and dosage for the treatment or antibiotics. The doctor will ensure the full diagnosis and treatment of the infection from the body through proper testing and treatment.
Apart from the medicines, it is important to refrain from having sex during the treatment time. It is possible to be affected by Chlamydia again, if exposed, no matter if you have been treated for the previous one. You should test yourselves every 3 months after the treatment for the disease. Also, try to avoid sex for one week of the final dose for the infection. Since Chlamydia can be cured, it is important to stay protected and prevent yourself from recurrence.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. It passes through one person to the other through sexual contact. They do not show any danger or symptom at their early occurring stage, but one might experience serious medical complications if they are not treated. However, it is important to have a test for Chlamydia, as it is a growing concept. Whenever you experience any suspecting moment, get your tests and start treating it. You should have regular tests for sexually transmitted infections with the new partner. While having sex, and oral sex always use proper protection.
- Published in STD Testing, STDs
All about Comprehensive Sexual Health Panel
Introduction
Sexual health is as important as any other health. Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are diseases passed from one person to another through sexual activity. It can spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. In rare cases, STDs can spread through intimate physical contact like heavy petting. The United States has millions of new cases every year.
STDs or STIs are almost impossible to detect on your own. They can only be diagnosed with a proper test. The comprehensive sexual health panel provides detailed testing for a range of STDs.
Importance
If these diseases are not treated on time, they can lead to various severe health problems. Some of which are organ damage, cancer, blindness, etc. Unfortunately, many of the infected do not receive immediate treatment. There is a stigma around a disease that makes this issue a taboo. You should not assume that your doctor will automatically suggest you test for STDs.
Types of STDs tested in a comprehensive sexual health panel
This test panel is suitable for you if you have had intercourse or are engaged in any kind of sexual deed. Especially with a person whose medical history is unknown to you. This test diagnoses 10 types of STDs. The results are accurate and it comes as soon as one day after the exposure. Some of them even take up to three months to get an accurate diagnosis. Following are some of the STDs that comprehensive sexual health panel tests for:
- Syphilis
It is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact – a sore on the genitals, mouth, or rectum. Usually, spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane if in contact with these sores.
- HIV type 1 and 2
Both are types of HIV, human immunodeficiency virus. Both weaken the immune system but type 2 develops more slowly and is less likely to transmit than HIV type 1.
- Herpes-type 1 and 2
HSV-1 is mainly transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes, but can also cause genital herpes. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted infection that causes genital herpes. These both are lifelong diseases.
- Gonorrhea
A sexually transmitted bacterial infection that, if untreated, may cause infertility. It usually has no symptoms.
- Chlamydia
It spreads by having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It does not have symptoms.
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
These diseases are spread from contact with the bodily fluids of a person who has the infection. Although, Hepatitis C is spread through blood-to-blood contact.
How does it work?
A comprehensive sexual health panel is done by taking a small sample of fluid from the genitals, drawing blood and plasma, a specimen of urine from the patient. Laboratory technicians test the specimens for the infections. No fasting is required while taking a comprehensive sexual health panel sample. You must consult a doctor regarding this testing. Any doctor or nurse can provide an application for these laboratory tests. It is also important that you avoid being uncomfortable or awkward while talking about this to your health consultants.
Things your doctor should know
Your doctor must be aware of your sexual life to predict any STDs. Your doctor should be aware of the types of protection you use during oral, anal, and vaginal sex, the medicines that you are taking, and whether you or your partner have other sexual encounters.
Conclusion
Untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to serious health problems. STDs do not always have symptoms at all or have mild symptoms sometimes. Hence, they are mostly undetectable. Therefore it is necessary to get tested if you are sexually active. Getting tested is a sign of being responsible. You should not be shy about your sexual health. No matter what your age is if you are sexually active, you should not hesitate to discuss or request a comprehensive sexual health panel from your doctor. These diseases are common and treatment is widely available.
- Published in STD Testing, STDs
