What is Chlamydia? — Nova Pregnancy Help Centers

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are bacterial infections that get spread through sexual contact. One of the most common types of STIs that both men and women can get is chlamydia.

Am I at risk for getting chlamydia?

If you're sexually active, it's important that you understand the risks of getting an STI, such as chlamydia. You are most at risk for getting this infection if you are:

● Younger than 25

● Have multiple sex partners or

● Have a new sex partner who has chlamydia already.

How do you get chlamydia?

You can get chlamydia from oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who already has the infection. Any unprotected sex puts you at the highest risk. Condoms when used the right way may decrease your chances of getting chlamydia but you can still get it.

What are symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia is sometimes called a silent infection because the symptoms aren't noticeable at first. Three-fourths of women and half of men who have chlamydia don't have any symptoms. If you do have symptoms, then they usually occur several weeks after having sex with someone who has chlamydia.

For women, the first symptoms you notice could be:

● Vaginal discharge

● Burning sensation when you pee

● Pain

For men, symptoms may include:

● Discharge from penis

● Burning feeling when peeing

● Pain and swelling in testicles.

Both women and men can get chlamydia in the rectum. This is from having anal sex or it can spread from other sites like the vagina. The symptoms of chlamydia in your rectum includes:

● Rectal pain

● Discharge from your rectum

● Bleeding from the rectum

If you have these symptoms, go to your doctor and get tested right away! Also tell your partner to get tested!

What if you're pregnant and have chlamydia?

If you're pregnant and are sexually active, get tested for chlamydia immediately. If you find out you have the infection, get treatment right away. Untreated chlamydia causes problems for the baby during pregnancy and delivery. Potential problems include:

● Preterm labor and birth

● Low birth weight baby

● Newborns can get infected during childbirth and get eye or lung infections.

If you think you may have chlamydia, NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers provides free testing and treatment to help you avoid health problems. We also provide free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Don't risk your health. Text or call us at 703-278-5433 (Fairfax) or 703-780-4700 (Alexandria).

How do I get tested for chlamydia? Is there a cure?

The test for chlamydia is a simple urine test or mouth swab test. Test results usually take 2 to 3 days. Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. You will typically receive azithromycin in the form of one or more pills. This does cure chlamydia but can’t undo the damage already caused. About three months after you finish the treatment, get tested again to ensure the infection is gone.

What happens if I don't get treated for chlamydia?

Even with no symptoms, if you test positive and don't get proper treatment, chlamydia can lead to serious health issues. Untreated chlamydia may cause:

● Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

● Scar tissue on your fallopian tubes

● Infertility or Ectopic pregnancy

● Long-term pain in your stomach and pelvic area

● Increased risk of getting HIV

● Men can get an infection in their testicles

The only way you can avoid getting chlamydia is to not have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But if not practicing abstinence, you can lower your chances of getting this STI by:

● Choose to have sex with just one partner who has been tested and is chlamydia free

● Use condoms each time you have sex, and use them the right way

Chlamydia is one of the most common STI that both men and women get. It's a treatable bacterial infection, but often individuals don't know they have it because the symptoms aren't noticeable right away. If you're having symptoms or think you have an STI, get tested right away.

Call NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers for a free STI test for chlamydia. If your test is positive, we can help you with the treatment you need. We also provide free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds. Don't risk your health. Get tested today.