Signs of Chlamydia

10 Hidden Signs of Chlamydia

Understanding Chlamydia

With it being the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United Kingdom, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Chlamydia. However, at times, that may not even be enough. Chlamydia has the ability to manifest itself differently in each gender and sometimes not at all.

The only way to truly protect yourself and your partners from the spread of this infection is to dedicate yourself to regular STD testing. If you are sexually active, it is best that you have a complete STD panel test done once a year to ensure you are not a carrier of any sexually transmitted infections.

Why You Should Get Tested Regularly

In 2013 alone, more than 200,000 people were diagnosed with Chlamydia, according to the NHS. Almost 70 percent of those that were diagnosed were under the age of 25. Although most signs of Chlamydia are undetectable, they can lead to more long term health problems in the future. Getting tested regularly is the best way to prevent medical problems for yourself and your partners.

Symptoms in Females

Studies have shown that only 30 percent of women show signs of being infected with Chlamydia. Of the ones that did exhibit symptoms, they reported experiencing the following:

• Pain and/or bleeding after intercourse
• Spotting between periods
• Heavier menstrual flow
• Pain during urination
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Abnormal vaginal secretions
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If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause reproductive problems such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Ectopic Pregnancy, and Infertility.

Symptoms in Males

Studies from the CDC show that nearly half of all men who contract the sexually transmitted disease do not report experiencing any signs of Chlamydia. However, those that did experienced the following symptoms:

• Burning or itching of the urethra
• Testicular pain
• Pain when urinating
• White or cloudy discharge from the penis

If left unchecked, Chlamydia may also cause more long term health problems with men as well. In some instances, the epididymis, or duct that carries sperm out of the testicles, can become swollen and affect future fertility.

Testing for Chlamydia is as simple as providing urine samples or a swab of the infected area. Even though you don’t show any noticeable signs of Chlamydia, you could still be carrying it. Because of this, the NHS recommends that all persons who are sexually active be tested for Chlamydia and other STDs at least once a year. Those who show any of the above mentioned symptoms should get checked as soon as possible in order to avoid the potential spreading of the disease and more long term health problems.