257. The Subtle Signs of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is now the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease in the United States. In males, symptoms include burning when urinating and a whitish discharge from the tip of the penis. In females, symptoms include slight vaginal discharge and a frequent need to urinate. But symptoms are often so mild they go unnoticed. And if left untreated, chlamydia can cause a variety of serious problems, including infection and inflammation of the prostate and surrounding structures in men; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and infertility in women. Since the symptoms of chlamydia may not be present in as many as 75 percent of females and 25 percent of males with this STD, doctors recommend that sexually active people who are not involved in a long-term, monogamous relationship be tested periodically. A urine test to check for chlamydia is available in most doctors’ offices and clinics. This test can give results quickly.
Anyone who has chlamydia should be treated with oral antibiotics such as erythromycin or azithromycin. Doctors will treat the infected sexual partner even if he or she doesn’t show any symptoms.
