Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the number one bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States, with an estimated 3 million new cases occurring each year. Chlamydia is often referred to as the "silent epidemic" because 75% of women and 50% of men with this disease have no symptoms. Transmitted through vaginal and anal sex, chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics.
Symptoms:
- If they appear, they do not show up until 1 week to 1 month after exposure to the bacteria. Possible symptoms of chlamydia include:
- Abnormal genital discharge
- Burning during urination
- Women may experience lower abdominal pain during intercourse.
- Men may experience swelling or pain in the testicles.
Consequences & Effects:
If left untreated, up to 30% of women will experience pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can often lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. If left untreated in men chlamydia can cause epididymitis (inflammation of testicle), which can lead to sterility.