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Hi everyone, I said earlier last week that i'd start a fact thread about sexual health on Sundays, #SexualSundays. Here's my debut lol. Today is about #Chlamydia! Below is a thread of common knowledge of the STI that everyone should know. Feel free to read and share!
What is it?
-Chlamydia trachomatis, known simply as “chlamydia,” is sexually transmitted bacterium infection. Please note, that is not to be confused as a virus or parasite. CT (chlamydia) is transmitted through sexual contact. If left untreated, the bacterium infection can
-Chlamydia trachomatis, known simply as “chlamydia,” is sexually transmitted bacterium infection. Please note, that is not to be confused as a virus or parasite. CT (chlamydia) is transmitted through sexual contact. If left untreated, the bacterium infection can
lead to substantial reproductive health failures amongst men and women.
How is CT spread?
- CT is spread through sexual contact by having unprotected vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex with someone who is infected with CT. Nobody is immune to this infection, if you have tested
How is CT spread?
- CT is spread through sexual contact by having unprotected vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex with someone who is infected with CT. Nobody is immune to this infection, if you have tested
positive and have been treated, you can still retract the infection. ***Women with uteri, please note that if you are pregnant with CT, you can pass down the infection to your baby during childbirth.
Who is at Risk?
- Anybody who is sexually active with multiple partners
Who is at Risk?
- Anybody who is sexually active with multiple partners
that do not practice protected vaginal, anal, or oral sex are at risk for contracting the CT infection.
When should I get tested?
- If you are sexually active, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active people get seen for screening
When should I get tested?
- If you are sexually active, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active people get seen for screening
every 3 months. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to be seen by your doctor or local health clinic as soon as possible rather than waiting.
What are the Common symptoms of CT?
-In women && men with Uteri, common symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge (yellow pigment), burning sensation when urinating, rectal bleeding and/or discharge, lower abdominal pain
-In Men and Women with prostates, common symptoms
-In women && men with Uteri, common symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge (yellow pigment), burning sensation when urinating, rectal bleeding and/or discharge, lower abdominal pain
-In Men and Women with prostates, common symptoms
include discharge from penis, burning sensation, and pain and swelling in testicles. Bleeding from rectum in both men and women is a symptom.
I’m not having symptoms; why should I get tested?
- I can not stress this enough, the only way to know if you are negative of the infection, is if you get tested. CT is notorious for being asymptomatic; in other words, symptoms may not occur and you could still be carrying CT.
- I can not stress this enough, the only way to know if you are negative of the infection, is if you get tested. CT is notorious for being asymptomatic; in other words, symptoms may not occur and you could still be carrying CT.
How are tests done?
- Tests can be done by urine sample, rectal swab, oral swab, vaginal swab, and a swap up the urethra (for men and women with prostates).
Where do I go to get tested?
-Ask your Primary Care Physician about testing! If not, research your local
- Tests can be done by urine sample, rectal swab, oral swab, vaginal swab, and a swap up the urethra (for men and women with prostates).
Where do I go to get tested?
-Ask your Primary Care Physician about testing! If not, research your local
Planned Parenthood, a clinic that specializes in reproductive health.
What happens if I don’t get treated?
-It is imperative that you get treated for CT as soon as you can. If not, the effects from CT can be dangerous. If you are a woman and/or man with a uterus, CT can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes that can cause
-It is imperative that you get treated for CT as soon as you can. If not, the effects from CT can be dangerous. If you are a woman and/or man with a uterus, CT can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes that can cause
**PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE** (PID). PID may not have symptoms; however, women can experience abdominal and pelvic pain. PID can eventually lead to infertility (inability to become pregnant) and potentially cause a deadly ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
-In men and women with prostates, if CT is not treated, it can potentially cause infection of the tube that connects the testicles to the urethra of the penis, epididymitis.
How will I be treated?
- There are two ways to treat CT.
- A single dose of AZITHROMYCIN or, DOXYCYCLINE, taken twice daily for 7 to 14 days. These medications are not over the counter, they must be dispensed by your local licensed health professional (RN, NP, NMW, PCP, etc.).
- There are two ways to treat CT.
- A single dose of AZITHROMYCIN or, DOXYCYCLINE, taken twice daily for 7 to 14 days. These medications are not over the counter, they must be dispensed by your local licensed health professional (RN, NP, NMW, PCP, etc.).
Once you have completed treatment, you must abstain from any type of sexual activity for at least 7 days. It is recommended that you get tested again three months after treatment.
Okay, whew! I didn't have enough time to provide more. If you took time to read, thank you! Feel free to ask me a question. As always, stay safe and healthy! And protect yourself ;).
I'll provide another fact thread next week on #SexualSundays!
I'll provide another fact thread next week on #SexualSundays!
