Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is an STI that’s quite common. Left untreated, it can damage your reproductive system and cause infertility. It can spread without symptoms, which is why it’s important to visit NewMed Immediate Care for STI testing when you may have been exposed.

Chlamydia is bacterial and can spread through oral, anal, or vaginal sex. If you’re pregnant when you get chlamydia, the infection can also spread to your baby. It’s important to be well informed on chlamydia and other STIs so you can take preventive measures against its spread, like getting regular STI screenings and using condoms.

NewMed Immediate Care offers testing for chlamydia with swab tests or urinalysis to detect infections, even if they have no symptoms.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia often causes no symptoms at all, but it’s possible to notice some distinct changes a few weeks after you acquire the infection. Symptoms vary based on your gender and the location of the infection (e.g., mouth, anus, genitals). You might experience:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Penile discharge
• Burning with urination
• Bleeding between periods
• Itching or burning in or around your vagina
• Pelvic pain
• Anal discharge
• Sore throat

You should book an appointment right away if you experience symptoms like these, even if you have a monogamous partner or used protection during sex.

How is chlamydia treated?

You can clear up a chlamydia infection, symptoms or not, by taking a course of antibiotics. You must complete the entire course even if your symptoms go away within the first couple of days. As you take your medication, the team at NewMed Immediate Care advises you to also:

• Avoid sex until the infection is gone
• Contact all sexual partners from the last three months
• Get other STI tests
• Receive treatment for any other STIs or STDs you have

While antibiotics will clear your infection, they can’t reverse any damage the infection has already done. With regular STI screenings, you can catch an infection early before it does any extensive damage to your reproductive systems such as pelvic inflammatory disease, epididymitis, and infertility.

Call NewMed Immediate Care for chlamydia testing, or book a visit online today.