The first thing that must be understood about the symptoms of chlamydia is they usually appear only a week or three weeks after one is infected. It has also been reported that 50% of infected males and nearly 70% of infected females do not exhibit signs or symptoms.
Chlamydia Signs in Women
The infection begins at the urethra and the cervix. Women who exhibit symptoms will experience a burning sensation when they urinate. Abnormal vaginal discharges may also occur. The infection will spread to the fallopian tubes.
The fallopian tubes transport the fertilized eggs to the uterus. When this occurs, some women experience back pain. Other symptoms of chlamydia include pain during intercourse, dizziness, stomach pain and fever. From the cervix, the infection moves on to the rectum.
Chlamydia Signs in Men
The most common indicator is discharge from the penis, accompanied by a burning sensation when urinating. The burning sense may or may not be accompanied by itchiness around the penis or near the opening. In some rare cases, the testicles swell and become painful.
Men or women who engage in anal intercourse may get infected via the rectum. This will result in bleeding and infection. Men and women who perform oral sex with a person infected with chlamydia will be infected in the throat.
Again, not everyone shows symptoms of chlamydia. By the time they appear, complications may already be taking place.
Complications from Chlamydia (Women)
Left untreated, chlamydia will cause problems with the reproductive organs. There are also long and short term health issues that may arise. In women, untreated chlamydia will spread to the fallopian tubes and / or uterus.
This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This ailment may permanently damage the fallopian tubes and the tissues around it. The results are pelvic pain and even infertility. Ectopic pregnancy (one that does not take place in the uterus) may occur too.
Medical studies have shown that women with chlamydia are more susceptible to HIV infection. The infection may also lead to premature birth.
Complications from Chlamydia (Men)
Studies of the symptoms of chlamydia in men and its effects show complications are rare. In some cases, the infection spreads to the epididymis. This is a tube that transports the sperm to the testis. Infection here may cause fever and physical pain.
In a few instances, it leads to sterility. There are also some reports that chlamydia causes arthritis and skin lesions. The disease may also inflame the eyes.
How Chlamydia is Diagnosed and Treated
The infection can be diagnosed in the laboratory. Tests are usually performed on the urine. Tests can also be conducted on the cervix or penis. The most common treatment is antibiotics. One dose of azithromycin will be sufficient.
Another method is to take doxycycline twice a day for one week. After treatment, re-testing should be performed after four months.
It is imperative for any sexually active person to be aware of the symptoms of chlamydia. If you recognize the signs, you’ll be able to get the right treatment.