Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is particularly prevalent among young people.

Symptoms of chlamydia can include discharge from the genitals, pain or burning during urination, and pain during sexual intercourse. However, many people with chlamydia do not experience any symptoms at all, which is why it is often referred to as the "silent" STI.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women. PID can cause permanent damage to the reproductive system and even lead to infertility. In men, chlamydia can lead to testicular pain and inflammation.

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics, but it is important to be tested if you think you may have been exposed to the infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sexually active women under the age of 25 and anyone with multiple sexual partners be screened for chlamydia at least once a year.

It is important to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia and other STIs. This includes using condoms during sexual intercourse and getting tested for STIs before starting a new sexual relationship.

One thing to consider- if you had one diagnosis of chlamydia, many years ago, it was treated, and you haven’t had any instances of a positive chlamydia test since then, it’s not necessarily something you should feel obligated to disclose to sexual partners or intimate health care providers. There is definitely no reason to feel ashamed by that history. It would be like saying “I once got a cold after sharing a water bottle with a friend who had a cold, but I’m healthy now!”