You can catch many STIs (sexually transmitted infections) when you do not practice safe sex, especially with a new partner. It is a common STI for people to contract, and many people can have it without experiencing any symptoms. However, you can treat it with antibiotics, and your doctor can prescribe any option they think is best for you. Below is some more information about Chlamydia, what is it, how you catch it, and what symptoms you can experience to understand the condition better.
What Is Chlamydia?
The cause of Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, Chlamydia Trachomatis, commonly passed around through sexual intercourse. Many people have no signs that they have contracted the STI, and if left untreated, it can make you infertile and cause reactive arthritis.
How Do You Contract Chlamydia?
You can contract Chlamydia when you have vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse and do not wear protection, but you do not have to have intercourse to catch it. If your genitals come into contact with the infected person, you run the risk of contracting it, and also if you come into contact with their genital fluids. Using an unclean sex toy that someone with Chlamydia has used can also pass it on, and there are symptoms you can look for that may indicate you have it.
Common Symptoms Of Chlamydia
There are some warning signs you can look for that may mean you have contracted Chlamydia, and the symptoms you will want to look for are as follows:
- Discomfort when urinating
- It is painful when having sex
- A discharge from the penis or vagina, which can be strong smelling
- Tender and swollen testicles
- Pain or a discharge from the anus
- A pain in the lower stomach
- Bleeding after intercourse and between periods
- A Sore Throat
You may experience one or more of the above symptoms, indicating that you have contracted Chlamydia, so you will need to test yourself for the STI. You can visit your local doctor or sexual health clinic, and they can test you and prescribe Chlamydia medication to clear up the condition if required.
Curing Chlamydia
As a bacterial infection causes Chlamydia, you can use antibiotics to clear it up quickly, and various options are available. Some of the most frequently prescribed medications are as follows:
Doxycycline: Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed medication for Chlamydia, as it is also the most effective. You will need to take one tablet twice daily for seven days, which should be enough to clear the condition. However, some people cannot take Doxycycline, so your doctor may prescribe another antibiotic for you to take.
Azithromycin: Azithromycin is often prescribed when people cannot take Doxycycline for whatever reason. On the first day, you will take two tablets and one tablet daily for the next two days; hopefully, this is enough to clear up your dose of Chlamydia.
Your doctor may prescribe other antibiotics, such as Erythromycin or Amoxicillin, but the two above are the most commonly prescribed medications. Once you have finished your course of medication, you will need to refrain from having sex for around two weeks. You may also still test positive for Chlamydia for up to six weeks after you have finished your medication.
