Chlamydia – What to Know about Risk Factors and Possible Complications

Chlamydia – What to Know about Risk Factors and Possible Complications

Chlamydia ranks among the most common STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in the US. Although it can be easily treated with antibiotics and affected individuals can back to normal in a couple of weeks, there still exists hesitancy among younger people to get tested for the infection once in a while.

Particularly widespread among sexually active teenagers and adults in their 20s, chlamydia spreads through unprotected sex. Even in the absence of penetration, you can catch the infection if your genitals come into touch with the genitals of an infected person.

Unlike what many people believe, the infection does not spread through casual touch such as hugging or kissing. Similarly, an infected person cannot pass on the infection by sharing toilet seats, towels, cutlery of swimming pools. So here is a look at what actually puts you at risk of catching the infection and how often you must go in for Arlington chlamydia screening.

How can you get infected?

Chlamydia infection is caused by bacteria that pass on through unprotected sex or by contact with the genital fluids of an infected person.

You may also get infected or pass on the infection in these ways:

• Unprotected oral or anal sex
• Getting intimate with an infected person and coming into contact with their genitals
• Using sex toys that have not been properly sterilized after each use
• If genital fluids such as semen or vaginal fluid from an infected person find their way into your eyes, you can get chlamydia of the eyes
• During pregnancy, an infected woman can pass on the infection to her unborn child

High risk groups

Although all sexually active individuals are recommended to get Arlington chlamydia screening at least once a year, the following groups must get tested more often since they are at higher risks of getting infected.

• Sexually active women below the age of 25, especially those with multiple sex partners
• A sexually active woman who has recently changed partners
• Women who have undergone Arlington chlamydia blood test must consider another test if they are pregnant. In addition to a screening during the first prenatal tests, pregnant women at high risk must also get tested during the later stages of pregnancy.
• Men who have multiple sex partners or indulge in sexual intercourse with other men

Possible complications

Since chlamydia is asymptomatic in most people, it is impossible to be sure about infection unless you undergo Arlington chlamydia screening. Assuming that you are fine is simply not the way to go, especially because of the risks involved if the infection is left untreated.

Chlamydia can cause long-term health issues leading to fertility problems in both men and women. Ectopic pregnancies and pelvic inflammatory disease are other complications that women may face. Men may experience painful health problems such as inflammation and swelling of the testicles. In rare cases, chlamydia can also lead to reactive arthritis in both men and women.

Thankfully, you can avoid all these complications simply by getting tested. Walk into your nearest urgent care clinic in Arlington for quick and easy chlamydia screening. The best clinics offer same day results so that you can initiate the next course of action at the earliest.