Posts tagged Chlamydia

In the newspapers, in magazines, and through the internet, the masses are bombarded with the new statistics and studies about HIV/AIDS. In addition, both the American people and the general public should take note that Chlamydia is very dangerous and is claiming victims at a fast pace, specifically young adults and women. This STD is a very common sexually transmitted infection that is spread across continents. Like other STDs, Chlamydia is usually asymptomatic meaning they do not show any symptoms. Sexually active people cannot be flaccid with regards to their sexual health. With rapid action, the health team can treat Chlamydia using a cocktail of antibiotics. Chlamydia infects almost three million people and that is only in the United States. While plenty of people understand that STDs such as these are transmitted via intercourse, be it vaginal or anal, those that are participating in unguarded sexual activities with multiple sexual partners should take note that like other sexually transmitted diseases, Chlamydia can be transferred via oral sex. Chlamydia can cause two types of major infections, which are in the genitals and eyes. Particularly, this infection can lead to trachoma that can lead to blindness. While it was once the leading known cause of blindness all over the world, a study conducted by The World Health Organization displays that there has already been an 11 % drop in blindness caused by Chlamydia since the start of the mid 1990s. Like conjunctivitis, more commonly known in slang as “pink eye”, trachoma can be extremely contagious and is transmitted via the fingers, by using shared towels, blankets, pillows, and by coughing or sneezing. Infection of the genitals is the second most common symptom. For the males, there are visible symptoms of the infected urethra which indicates that you are possibly positive with this kind of STD. Though, these signs and symptoms only manifest in 50 percent of all known transmissions and cases. These signs are pain while urinating, cloudy-colored discharge coming from the male genitalia, tender and swollen testicles, and fever. Chlamydia seems to be more common for women and younger adults. Statistics show that women are three times more likely to be infected than men, while younger adults with ages from 15 to 24 are five times more likely to be carriers of the infection than the rest of the sexually active people. Particularly for women, this STD can contaminate the cervix, and will not show any symptoms for ¾ of all known cases. For women who are manifesting symptoms however, may detect vaginal bleeding or discharge, fever, abdominal pain, and the urge to urinate frequently. If left unnoticed, a woman may develop a pelvic inflammatory disease or PID, which affects the uterus, along with the and ovaries and the fallopian tubes and may eventually cause infertility or even various complications during pregnancy. Women who are infected and have become pregnant may transfer the STD to their offspring, especially if delivered normally. The problem causes nearly about half a million people to contract PID and those that do test positive are more likely to contract HIV. Routine and habitual STD testing at STD test centers is an essential part of healthy living. This is made all the more important since the STD tends to be asymptomatic. Consequently, one cannot be passive with regards to one’s sexual health and only taking action when something doesn’t feel right. If left uncured, serious complications can develop.