Know All About Chlamydia – The Silent STD That Can Affect Both Men and Women

Know All About Chlamydia – The Silent STD That Can Affect Both Men and Women

There are many instances of people walking into a clinic for a routine test and coming out with a positive chlamydia diagnosis. Many people might be carrying this sexually transmitted disease and not knowing it because chlamydia infection does not have any specific symptoms.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is called the silent sexually transmitted disease precisely for the same reason. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that affects more than three million Americans every year. Any sexually active person can be a potential victim if he or she does not follow safe sex practices. However, young adults and adolescents are more susceptible to the disease as they are known to indulge in risky sexual behavior.

How Chlamydia Enters The Human Body

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that makes its way to the body during sexual activity. It causes infection of the genitals in men and women. The silent infection does not cause any symptoms which leads to the deeper spread of the infection. If left untreated in women, Chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes which can lead to infertility. If you suspect an infection, it is recommended that you visit a clinic that offers chlamydia testing near Arlington.

Chlamydia spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person. It can also spread from an infected pregnant woman to her child during childbirth.

The silent STD shows no symptoms in a high percentage of affected men and women and that’s why most people who have contracted Chlamydia are unaware that they are carrying the infection. This results in delay or even complete avoidance of healthcare which further aggravates the condition of the patients.

Some women may show specific symptoms that are associated with general genital infection such as:

• Yellowish-white discharge
• Spotting or small spots of blood between monthly periods
• Some unusual fluid discharge from the urethra
• Painful or burning sensation during urination

In Men The Symptoms Of Chlamydia May Include:

• Discharge of infection or pus from the penis
• Uneasy itching or a feeling of irritation in the genital area
• Burning sensation during urination (not all infected men may experience this)

You can go for male chlamydia test if you suffer from any or more than one of the symptoms mentioned here. There are many clinics that offer STD tests that cover almost all types of sexually transmitted infections.

The Testing Process

If you decide to go for chlamydia testing near Arlington, you will be required to submit a sample from the site of infection to the lab technician. The sample will be taken using a swab and tested for the presence of the bacteria that is responsible for Chlamydia infection. Urine samples are also used to test for Chlamydia. If your test result is positive, do not panic. Chlamydia is a curable infection that can be easily treated using the right antibiotics. Make sure you see an STD treatment specialist. You can also ask your clinic if they offer STD treatment facilities. Most testing clinics include treatment as a part of their services for the convenience of patients.