Chlamydia 101: How to Spot and Prevent the “Silent Infection”

This ‘chlamydia in women and men’ article is meant to be a source of valuable information for the reader; however, it is not a substitute for direct expert assistance. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance. 

According to a blog post from Makati Medical Center, chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection in the Philippines. While we don’t have available current data about chlamydia prevalence rates for males and females, earlier studies, like the one by Francis Saison, suggested that chlamydia in women, particularly sex workers, has a prevalence range of 27 to 36 percent.

What’s concerning about this infection is that most cases don’t show any symptoms, so the transmission can sneak up on you. Since not everyone is fully educated about chlamydia and sexually transmitted infections, in general, people often mistook some of the minor symptoms as other conditions, like Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Instead of ringing up a specialist, they might dive into home remedies or pop some meds. But here’s the kicker: if left unchecked, chlamydia can stir up some life-changing complications.

That’s exactly why we’ve whipped up this beginner’s guide to spread the word. We’ll be discussing the symptoms of chlamydia in women and men, as well as prevention tips to keep you protected during your sexcapades.

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by chlamydia trachomatis. This little bugger can hitch a ride through vaginal fluids and semen, especially during unprotected penetrative sex or sex toy sharing. Chlamydia-positive pregnant women can also pass it on to their babies.

It’s also known as the “silent infection,” as 50 to 70 percent of the cases have no symptoms. As for the remaining 30 percent, they may experience the symptoms presented in the next section.

Symptoms

If someone had unprotected sex a few weeks ago with a chlamydia-positive person, they may feel the following symptoms below.

Take note that most cases are asymptomatic, which is why we recommend taking STI tests whenever you have unprotected sex with a new partner.

1Chlamydia Symptoms for People With Vulvas

Women with chlamydia may notice a white, yellow, or gray vaginal discharge with a foul smell. They’ll also need to watch out for unexpected vaginal spotting or bleeding, painful menstruation, itchiness in the vulva, and abdominal pain accompanied by fever.

2Chlamydia Symptoms for People With Penises

Men with chlamydia may see clear or cloudy discharge leaking at the tip of your penis. There may also be a burning and itching sensation at the opening of the penis, as well as painful swelling in the testicles.

3General Symptoms

Regardless of sex at birth or gender identity, people positive for chlamydia may feel painful urination and notice pus in their urine. There could also be some discomfort around the anal area and unusual redness, pain, and discharge in the eyes.

Complications

As we mentioned before, most cases of chlamydia in women and men are asymptomatic. Even if someone’s rocking the chlamydia badge, they might not feel anything weird right now. But don’t be fooled because this sneaky condition can stir up trouble. Below are some complications that may occur if this condition is left untreated.

1Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

When chlamydia is left unchecked in women, it could open the door to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection stirring up trouble in the uterus, cervix, and ovaries. Symptoms may include mild to intense pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge, and frequent painful urination. There are also cases where the affected person gets unusual vaginal spotting or fever.

PID is no joke— it’s a medical emergency. Don’t play the waiting game if you sense any of the symptoms. Head to the doctor, pronto! Ignoring it can set the stage for scar tissue and nasty pockets of infected fluid (abscesses) in your reproductive tract. The longer you wait, the more intense the pain becomes, dragging out your discomfort.

2Pregnancy Complications

If chlamydia goes unchecked, it could throw a curveball into your pregnancy plans. One possible twist? Your little one might decide to show up earlier than expected, or what we know as preterm delivery. This could lead to the premature baby having heart problems, breathing issues, immune system irregularities, and other related issues.

What’s worse is that the pregnant mother can pass their untreated chlamydia to their newborn, which can then result in them having pneumonia or conjunctivitis. If left untreated, the baby may end up with more serious issues, such as blindness from conjunctivitis.

3Infertility

Another serious complication of chlamydia for women is reduced fertility or infertility. When this condition is untreated, it can cause infection and scarring to the fallopian tubes.

The fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus, and its condition can affect your fertility. If the tubes are blocked or damaged, fertilization can’t take place.

4Epididymitis

Men with chlamydia who haven’t gotten treatment can end up with sudden or gradual aches in one or both of their balls. The skin bag holding them or the scrotum can also feel tender, warm, and puffy. There may be unusual discharge leaking from the tip, as well as painful urination.

5Reactive Arthritis

This one can affect both men and women. Reactive arthritis, or Reiter’s Syndrome, is when joints become inflamed and painful due to an infection. Beyond the discomfort during everyday activities, individuals with this condition may also experience blurry vision, persistent pain in the eye area, a burning sensation during urination, and other related symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Great news— chlamydia is totally treatable! With the right medications, you can kick it to the curb and return to feeling your best. You need to consult your healthcare provider and take the necessary tests. They may ask for a urine sample to determine the cause of your symptoms. If it’s chlamydia, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics.

If your case is severe, you may need to take more medications or undergo other procedures. This is why you must be able to detect it as early as possible to avoid these extra medicines and procedures; not only will it take more time to heal, but it also comes with additional costs.

You’ll need to pause all your sexual activities until you’re finished with your treatment. Also, your partner might need to do testing and treatment to prevent any chance of reinfection.

Prevention Tips

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Besides, sex is a whole lot better when all parties are fully informed and protected, right? That said, here are must-follow practices that you can do to keep your sexual plays fun and safe.

1Use condoms, especially in casual encounters.

When it comes to STI protection, condoms are king! Male and female condoms are the only form of contraception that can prevent both pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. That’s why if you have a colorful sex life, make sure to wear or have your partner wear condoms. If placed correctly, they can be 90% effective in preventing STIs, such as chlamydia.

2Get tested every time you have a new partner.

When starting a relationship, whether it’s a naughty fling or something serious, get tested first. By making STI testing a routine part of entering into new relationships, you promote transparency and create a foundation of trust.

Getting an STI test together can also help in identifying and addressing potential concerns early on, ensuring a safer and more informed sexual experience.

3Don’t share sex toys.

It can be tempting to share sex toys with your boo, but avoid doing that as much as you could. Sharing these items can introduce the risk of bacterial or viral transmission, leading to infections like chlamydia. This is still up to you, of course, but remember the risks every time you decide to share love toys with your partner.

4Limit your partner as much as possible.

We don’t want to limit your sexual experiences, but from a logical standpoint, fewer sexual partners mean less exposure to STIs. It’s also easier to manage and contact your partners if something is amiss. Now, if you can’t help but have those casual hookups, remember to religiously follow safer sex practices, like previous points we’ve shared.

Recommended Condoms for Chlamydia Prevention

As mentioned above, condoms are the superior form of contraception when it comes to STI prevention. So, make it a habit to have a trusty box of condoms on standby for those spontaneous adventures. They’re like the sidekick you can count on, ensuring your sensual escapades are not just thrilling but also responsibly awesome.

If you’re looking for suggestions, here are the favorites from our shop; check this page for more condom variations and brands!

1Durex Fetherlite Ultima

It’s incredibly thin; it feels like you’ve got nothing on! The Durex Fetherlite Ultima features an easy-on design, making it easy to unroll in your hard-on. It’s also pre-lubricated, so you can easily do the deed without a hitch. Along with its affordable price range, you can easily protect yourself from chlamydia and other STIs with this one.

 

2Hex Condoms

If you’re more into luxury brands and money isn’t an issue, get these uniquely designed condoms from Lelo. Hex Condoms have a hexagonal cell structure, promising perfect fit and impeccable durability. It’s also made by one of the world’s top intimate luxury brands, so you can guarantee top-notch quality with these condoms.

 

3Durex Performa

If you’re having an issue not lasting long in the bedroom, you might wanna grab this one on your next checkout. The Durex Performa is formulated with 5% benzocaine to prolong your erection. Like the other Durex condoms, this one has a superior fit and reservoir tip.

 

4Durex Invisible

If you want another ultra-thin option, check out the Durex Condoms Invisible. Made with natural rubber latex, this transparent and teat-ended condom is pre-lubricated, so you can easily slip it onto your erect penis. It feels natural on the skin, allowing you to have fun sexcapades without the risks of STIs and unintended pregnancies.

 

5Durex Nude

If you’re allergic to latex, no worries. There are alternatives in the market, such as the bestselling Durex Nude. It’s made with polyisoprene, providing superior protection and sleek comfort. It’s pretty pricey compared to regular condoms due to its materials and other extra steps in production, but it’s all worth it.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Still got questions about chlamydia? We gotchu. Below are some of the most asked inquiries regarding this condition.

1Can chlamydia clear up on its own?

Nope, chlamydia for women and men doesn’t clear up without the needed medication. You must consult your doctor once you feel the symptoms and get regular STI tests. The earlier you start your treatment, the quicker you’ll get to fight off this infection.

2What does chlamydia discharge look like?

The discharge may be cloudy, white, yellow, or gray. Aside from the look of your discharge, check also the smell. It’s pretty funky or unusual from your usual vaginal odor; time to dial up your trusted healthcare provider.

3Can you get chlamydia from oral sex?

Albeit uncommon, it’s possible to get oral chlamydia if you perform a blowjob or cunnilingus on a person who is positive for the infection. Symptoms may include sore throat, dental issues, and mouth sores. There are also asymptomatic cases, so regular STI testing is recommended. Don’t guess; get tested.

4How do I know chlamydia is gone?

Once you’re done with the medications, you’ll need to take another chlamydia test to see if the meds worked. If you have symptoms before, it’ll also go away once the bacteria is out of your system.

Takeaway

Chlamydia is like a sneaky ninja – silent, stealthy, and easily passed around without a peep. Right now, someone might be reading this and not even know they’re carrying the stealthy intruder. That’s why the golden rule is regular STI tests. Don’t guess— get tested.

This is also a reminder to take your reproductive-related symptoms seriously. If you feel like something’s off in your vaginal discharge or your penis has a weird sensation, don’t shrug it off and think it’s some minor rash. If you know that you’ve been having unprotected sex, consult your doctor immediately. Don’t wait until the complications have taken over your health. Stay safe and responsible!