What is it?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria (a microscopic organism). Approximately 75% of women and 50% of men show no symptoms of the disease after infection. If left untreated, Chlamydia can permanently damage the sexual organs leading to infertility in women and in men.
Why you should get tested.
Chlamydia can lead to infertility, but is easily treatable if caught early. Moreover, most women infected with Chlamydia have no symptoms. If left untreated, women may develop Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). In addition, Chlamydia in pregnant women can lead to a higher risk of miscarriage, early delivery and potentially fatal tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. In men, Chlamydia may also reduce fertility. If the baby is exposed during delivery, he or she could suffer from eye infections or pneumonia.
Experts recommend annual Chlamydia screening for all sexually active females 25 and under and for women older than 25 with risk factors such as a new sex partner or multiple partners.
How can I get it?
You can get Chlamydia though sexual contact with an infected person. Chlamydia can thrive in various regions of the body including the penis, vagina, anus, and throat so unprotected contact with any of these areas may lead to infection.
How do I know if I have it?
Chlamydia shows no symptoms in over 50% of people who have it. Therefore, it is often difficult to tell whether you are infected. For those people who get symptoms, they may include:
- Burning or painful sensation when urinating for men and women.
- For women, discharge from the vagina, back pain, unusual pain during sex and bleeding between periods.
- For men, a discharge from the penis, inflamed or swollen testicles and/or discomfort around the tip of the penis.
Chlamydia Testing ~ Chlamydia Screening
Testing for Chlamydia at Home with Better2know is easy, fast and painless. For men and women, you simply urinate in the container we post you and you send it back in the prepaid envelope provided. Please be sure that you wait 3 hours before urinating.
Treating Chlamydia
Chlamydia is curable and can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.
