Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an STD that in many cases causes no obvious symptoms, and is therefore spread easily between sexual partners. If chlamydia infection is left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems, such as:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Damage to the fallopian tubes
• Increased difficulty conceiving
• Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
• Premature labor

If a pregnant woman has chlamydia, she can pass it on to her child during the birth, which can result in the baby having an eye infection, blindness, or pneumonia.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

In many cases, you won’t know when you have an infection because you won’t experience any chlamydia symptoms. If there are any symptoms, they generally start within three weeks of infection. You may experience:

• Unusual vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
• Bleeding between your periods
• Painful menstruation
• Fever and abdominal pain
• Painful intercourse
• Vaginal itching or burning
• Pain during urination

Dr. Itai Ronen and Dr. Pinky Ronen run some tests to diagnose chlamydia. They may take a swab from your cervix or ask for a urine sample, which a lab tests for the presence of chlamydia.

Can chlamydia be cured?

Once you have a positive diagnosis of chlamydia infection, our doctors prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the infection. Your partner should also receive treatment to prevent reinfecting you. You must make sure you complete your course of antibiotics to fully kill the infection and help prevent antibiotic resistance. You should feel better within a week or two of starting treatment.

You need to see Dr. Pinky Ronen, MD or Dr. Itai Ronen, MD again three months after treatment to make sure you’re clear of chlamydia, and you should refrain from having sex until you and your partner are free of any infection.

Women who have a severe infection may need to stay in the hospital, where they receive intravenous antibiotic treatment and medication for the pain.

How can I prevent chlamydia infection?

Chlamydia is an STD, so it’s passed through sexual contact. Limiting the number of partners you have and using condoms every time you have intercourse reduces your chance of catching chlamydia. Monogamy with a partner who is clear of infection or abstaining from sex altogether reduces the chance of infection even further.

Because chlamydia infection doesn’t always cause symptoms, it’s sensible to have a regular test for chlamydia if you have more than one sexual partner.

To book a chlamydia test or discuss any concerns you have about STDs, call Dr. Ronen OB/GYN today or book an appointment online.