When you are sexually active, have lots of partners, and do not always use protection, you will significantly increase your chances of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You can get many STIs when you do not have safe sex, and one of the most common ones is Chlamydia. When you think you have caught this infection or anything else, the first thing you will want to do is get tested. You can make an appointment at your doctor’s surgery or visit your local STD clinic to get tested. Below are some symptoms you can display when you have Chlamydia and some ways you can effectively treat the condition.
What Is Chlamydia?
The spread of bacteria causes chlamydia, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is highly contagious, and you do not have to engage in full penetrative sex to catch this infection; it can sometimes not show any symptoms, so you do not realise you have it.
How Do You Catch Chlamydia?
There are various ways to contract Chlamydia, and an obvious one is to have unprotected sex with your partner. However, you can also contract the bacterial infection by coming into contact with the genital fluids of your partner, and you can also get it when your genitals come into contact with your partner’s genitals without full sex. It can also be spread when using unclean sex toys, so you must ensure you clean the sex toys thoroughly before you use them.
Warning Signs You May Have Chlamydia
There are symptoms you can notice that may mean you have contracted Chlamydia, so it is worth knowing what these are if you have unprotected sex. Some of the warning signs include:
- Pain when you are having sex
- A painful discharge from your anus
- It is uncomfortable when urinating
- Discharge from the penis or vagina
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Swollen and tender testicles
When you notice any of the above symptoms, you will want to book an appointment at your local STI clinic or your doctor. If you get diagnosed with Chlamydia, there are a couple of options of treatments available that can clean the condition up and get things back to normal.
Getting Rid Of Chlamydia
You can be prescribed a few medications to help you get rid of Chlamydia, and your doctor will most likely choose one of two different medications. The two most common medications prescribed include:
Doxycycline: Doxycycline is one of the most effective Chlamydia treatments, and you will take one tablet twice daily for seven days.
Azithromycin: Azithromycin is another effective Chlamydia treatment, and you will take two 500mg tablets on your first day and one tablet on the next two days.
You will need to wait for a week or two after finishing your course of treatment, and once complete, the bacterial infection should have gone. You can now engage in sex again, but you will want to ensure you use protection to prevent from catching Chlamydia again or one of the many other sexually transmitted infections.
