Chlamydia

Chlamydia symptoms

As a rule, infection with chlamydia does not cause any direct symptoms . It is therefore possible for you to infect or be infected by a partner without realizing it.

Should symptoms appear, it usually happens 1 to 3 weeks after transmission . A burning sensation is felt when urinating. The urethra may be itchy or irritated. There is an increased or altered discharge from the vagina or urethra. Abdominal pain can also occur. Bleeding during intercourse is another possible symptom.

In women , chlamydia can cause a strong smelling discharge or frequent urination. An untreated chlamydial infection can also lead to inflammation of the ovaries. This can reduce the chance of pregnancy while increasing the risk of ectopic or ectopic pregnancy.

In men , chlamydia can cause painful epididymitis. This can affect their ability to father children.

Who Should Get Tested for Chlamydia?

You should have a chlamydia test done in the following cases :

• You had unprotected sex with a new partner.
• You suspect that you have contracted chlamydia.
• You have symptoms that indicate you may have chlamydia.
• Your sexual partner has a chlamydia infection.
• The condom broke and you suspect you may have chlamydia.

Infection with chlamydia: transmission routes

Chlamydia is caused by bacteria. Chlamydia infection can occur when mucous membranes come into contact with one another. This is particularly the case with unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex .

The bacteria can also be transmitted through semen and vaginal fluid . This can also happen when using sex toys without direct sex. A chlamydia infection can therefore not only affect the mucous membranes in the genital area, but also in the anal area, in the throat or in the eyes.

Prevent chlamydia infection with safer sex

Be smart: practice safer sex! With safer sex, you can minimize the risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia. In principle, all forms of sexual intercourse carry the risk of infection transmission.

The best way to protect yourself is to use condoms for vaginal and anal sex, or sachets for oral sex. Important rules for safer sex:

• Avoid direct contact of mucous membranes with other mucous membranes.
• Avoid direct contact of vaginal fluid, semen and blood with mucous membranes.
• Avoid direct contact of cuts, semen, and blood with wounds.

Mucous membranes are found in the vagina, on the inner labia, around the urethral opening, on the foreskin, and in the anal area. There are also mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and throat.

Warning: safer sex is not the same as safe sex! The tips mentioned here ensure more safety during sex. However, there is no such thing as 100% safe sex . People who frequently have sex with different partners should therefore be regularly tested for chlamydia.

Diagnosis of Chlamydia

A chlamydia test can be carried out by a gynecologist, a urologist and a dermatologist, among others. The bacteria can be clearly detected via a swab or a urine test.

If an infection with chlamydia is found, the sexual partners of the last 6 months should also be examined and, if necessary, treated. This minimizes the risk of reinfection from a possibly symptom-free current sexual partner.

You can do this yourself for chlamydia

If you suspect chlamydia, you should definitely seek medical help . In many EU countries and partly also in Germany there is even a reporting obligation. It is used to reduce the spread of chlamydia.

Treatment options for chlamydia

Chlamydia infection is curable. Chlamydia treatment consists of antibiotic therapy prescribed by a doctor. It is important that the entire course of treatment is carried out correctly: both the amount of antibiotics taken and the intervals between taking them must be strictly observed. During chlamydia treatment, the patient must not have sex because the risk of passing on the bacteria is too great.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help with chlamydia

At Med-Healths you can get advice from a doctor about chlamydia. The doctor will help you evaluate whether or not you should get a chlamydia test. They may also tell you how to get chlamydia treatment or give you a prescription if you have already tested positive.