Abnormal symptoms include bleeding between periods, lower abdominal pain, pain during sexual activity, vaginal discharge, and burning when urinating. Men, on the other hand, could observe discharge from the penis, discomfort during urination, and though less common, swollen or painful testicles.
If the rectum becomes infected with chlamydia, both sexes can experience discomfort, discharge, or even rectal bleeding. Oral sex can also lead to chlamydia infections being transmitted into the throat.
It is crucial to get a Chlamydia diagnosis and start treatment right away. The infection could progress into more serious health issues if not treated. Untreated Chlamydia in women can potentially lead to severe complications, such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
PID can have serious health repercussions, including the risk of infertility, ectopic pregnancies,
Pelvic pain and persistent pelvic discomfort.
Men can develop another condition called Epididymitis because of contracting chlamydia.
This condition may result in discomfort, fever, and in more severe cases, may jeopardise fertility.
The best defence against Chlamydia is, of course, prevention. The use of condoms on a regular and consistent basis reduces the risk of sexually transmitted diseases by an order of magnitude. Regular STI screening is recommended for anyone with multiple sexual partners or who frequently do not use condoms.