Contracting a Sexually Transmitted Infection can cause many symptoms and long-term risks. However, the quicker you get diagnosed, the more likely you’ll get treated with no serious complications. So, what happens when you leave Chlamydia — one of the most common STIs in North America — untreated? Find out what happens if you leave this (mostly) asymptomatic STI undiagnosed!
Chlamydia in Women
Chlamydia affects over 3 million Americans every year. Sexually active women have a higher rate of contracting Chlamydia — around 2% — than men at 1.4. Most women with Chlamydia have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can be confused with Urinary Tract Infection symptoms. For example, there can be burning when urinating, pain during sex, lower abdominal pain, bleeding after sex or between periods, and unusual vaginal discharge. That’s why without a diagnostic test, Chlamydia can get left untreated or improperly treated! We recommend getting tested often to ensure you are up to date on your sexual health.
Long-Term Risks
When left untreated, Chlamydia can spread to the cervix and infect the uterus and Fallopian tubes, causing various severe complications.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection in the female reproductive system, which includes the Fallopian tubes, womb, and ovaries. PID causes a variety of symptoms, from mild to severe. Some of these symptoms include pain around the pelvis and lower tummy, discomfort or pain during sex deep in the pelvis, pain when urinating, and painful and heavy periods. Some people can also become extremely ill and develop a high fever.
Infertility
If left untreated for long enough, the infection will continue to spread through a woman’s reproductive system — this can permanently scar the women’s uterus and fallopian tubes causing infertility.
Pregnancy Complications
Suppose a woman is pregnant when she contracts Chlamydia. In that case, she has a high risk of spreading the infection to the child during childbirth, causing lung and eye infections. She also risks developing an ectopic pregnancy that is life-threatening to both baby and mother and requires emergency surgery.
Chlamydia in Men
Although men are less likely to contract Chlamydia, they are still just as likely to transmit it. Chlamydia rarely presents itself with symptoms in men. However, when infected, the urethra and the testicles are at risk. When symptoms are present, discharge from the penis, discomfort when urinating, and sore, swollen testicles are common. Regular STI screening is of utmost importance!
Long-Term Risks of Chlamydia
Left untreated, men risk pain and swelling in one or both testicles. The infection travels from the urethra to the epididymis (the tube carrying sperm) and can cause a severe infection in your testicles.
How do I get tested?
If you have not gotten tested for Chlamydia within the last calendar year and you’ve had more than one sexual partner. In that case, it’s recommended to get tested! Testing for Chlamydia requires a urine test or a swab from the cervix, penis, or anus. At InfoRouge, you can even test at home with our at-home medical services! Test results can be available to you within 72 hours. Call us today to book an appointment, or visit us online at InfoRouge.com.