Slumber disease: Chlamydia

Slumber disease: Chlamydia

Chlamydia in the year 2015 is still the #1 STD. You probably won’t even know when you have it. 75% of women do not get any symtoms and for men this is about 50%.

About 40% of women who are infected develop pelvic inflammatory disease. About 20 % of these women develop infertility, chronic pelvic pain about 18% and for 9% women develop tubal pregnancy which can be very dangerous and even lethal. If a women is infected there is a 50/50 chance the newborn is also infected. The baby might end up dead or suffer from severe blindness.

Even though there are good therapies and medications available, the amount of people carying the infection while not knowing it causes the problem to become bigger over time. Most people are not fully aware of the risk Chlamydia might pose to their own health and their loved ones. The problem is finding the people who are at risk and convincing them to get tested.

Because of the effects of Chlamydia most treated patients are men, because the outset of symptoms are often much clearer. Preventive screening, as researched before, is very effective. According to the north western states, Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Alaska, in the late 80’s the prevelance rate of woman aged 15-24 was 13%. Currently we are below 5%.

Chlamydia can infect the genitals directly but have an effect on the cervix, anus, urethra and even eye as well. Condoms do offer good protection but they are not 100% foolproof. They do stop the HIV virus but this is not the case for Chlamydia. This percentage is more like 80%.

Studies from the past suggest the possibility for the spontanious resolution of Chlamydia. More recent studies show the benefits of using anti biotics. Spontanious resolution might happen in a few percent of the cases, but it’s best not to gamble. The infection can have some serious longterm effects.

Bottom note:

If you are below 25 and sexually active. Be extra careful. Limit the amount of bed partners and use protection. If you do have any symptoms a STD rapid test kit would be a suitable option if you, not very differently from other people, are afraid to go to a doctor. Remember that this thing is curable.