Men's Health
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STDs
Chlamydial Infection
Posted by R. James M.D. on Sep 16, 2004, 02:54
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What is a chlamydial infection?
Chlamydia (say "cla-mid-ee-ah") is a bacteria (germ) men and women catch by having sex with someone who is infected. It can also be given to newborn babies by mothers who have a chlamydial infection during the last part of their
pregnancy.
How do I know I have a chlamydial infection?
A chlamydial infection can cause many different health problems, including
vaginal discharge, spotting, pain with sex, lower stomach aches, irregular
periods, a burning feeling when urinating, a discharge from the penis and
trouble getting pregnant. Sometimes, however, a chlamydial infection causes no
symptoms at all.
How could I get this infection?
You could get a chlamydial infection by having sex with a person who has a
chlamydial infection. If you have had sex with a new partner, or many sex
partners or a partner who has had many sex partners, and especially if you
don't always use condoms, you are at higher risk of a chlamydial infection.
Your doctor may check you for a chlamydial infection when you are pregnant,
even if you have no signs of the infection, because the infection is so harmful
to newborns.
How is a chlamydial infection treated?
A chlamydial infection is treated with antibiotics. Your doctor may want to
obtain a lab test to see if you have the infection. Your doctor may decide to
give you antibiotics while waiting for the test results. If the results show
you have a chlamydial infection, it is important to tell anyone you have had
sex with that you have this infection, so they can be treated too.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to antibiotics and if there is any
chance you might be pregnant. Be sure to finish all your antibiotics and do not
have sex until both you and your sex partner(s) have finished taking the
antibiotics. If you get a fever or bad stomach pain while taking the
antibiotics, let your doctor know right away.
How can I prevent another chlamydial infection?
Know the people you have sex with, and limit the number of people you have sex
with. Always use a condom. If you are thinking about using a spermicide, be
aware that spermicides containing nonoxynol-9 can cause genital irritation
and increase your risk of catching an STD. However, using a condom with
nonoxynol-9 is better than not using a condom at all.
Women aged 25 and younger who are having or have had any kind of sex (oral,
vaginal, anal) should see their doctor on a routine basis to be screened for
chlamydia.
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