Caused by the bacteria named Chlamydia trachomatis, chlamydia is a common STD or sexually transmitted disease. It can affect both men and women during oral, vaginal or anal sex. Hence, the infection is found usually in the cervix, throat and rectum in women and urethra, rectum and throat in men. In fact, if the mother is infected, the baby might also get it during childbirth.
Vaginal discharge or discharge from the penis, pain while having sex, pain and a burning sensation while urinating, pain and swelling in testicles etc. are the common signs and symptoms of chlamydia. If the infection is in the rectum, then there may be rectal pain or discharge or even bleeding from the rectum.
However, what is quite difficult about this infection is that it takes several weeks after you have unprotected sex with your partner that the symptoms of Chlamydia will start to appear. In the meantime, the infection spreads. While pelvic pain and fever are the minor complications, chlamydia may also cause infertility in both men and women as well as ectopic pregnancy in women.
However, having untreated chlamydia can increase the risk of acquiring HIV. Here’s how:
- Increased Susceptibility: Chlamydia, like other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), causes inflammation and sores in the genital area. This can make it easier for HIV to enter the body if exposed.
- Compromised Immune System: Chlamydia can weaken the local immune defenses in the genital tract, making it more vulnerable to HIV infection.
- Behavioral Risk Factors: Individuals with untreated STIs, including chlamydia, may engage in behaviors that increase the risk of HIV transmission, such as unprotected sex or having multiple sexual partners.
Can Chlamydia Go Away on its Own Without Treatment?
There is a misconception or a myth that chlamydia goes away on its own. However, that is not the fact. Chlamydia does not go away on its own without treatment. It is very rare that the immune system can handle such an infection and treat it on its own. However, with treatment, you can easily treat the potentially dangerous bacteria causing Chlamydia. You need antibiotic course to treat chlamydia infection. In fact, if you ignore the infection, you are at a risk of getting more serious diseases and long term health damages.
If you strictly follow the antibiotic dosage, it is very likely that the infection will go away within 1 to 2 weeks. It must also be mentioned that there is no guarantee that if you have had the infection once, you won’t get it back. If you have sex with an infected person, you are likely that you will get the infection again. Also, having oral or anal sex does not reduce or eliminate the chances of you getting the infection. The bacteria can spread in the throat as well as in the rectum.
The only way to prevent or reduce the chances of getting chlamydia infection is to avoid oral, vaginal or anal sex. Since the symptoms are not visible immediately, it is always better to visit the doctor for routine check-ups. The doctor will be able to tell at an early stage, if you have the infection and what medicinal dosage would be perfect to treat your condition early.
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