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Chlamydia – Just The Facts

September 14, 2015

What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that can infect both men and women. It is the most commonly reported STD in the United States and is considered a silent disease because 75% of women and 50% of men never display symptoms, resulting in many people unknowingly spreading the disease.


How can I get Chlamydia?

You can get Chlamydia by engaging in vaginal, oral or anal sex with someone who already has it. If your sex partner is male, you can get it even if they don’t ejaculate.


Am I at risk?

Any sexually active person can get Chlamydia when they engage in sex with someone who has it. Sexually active young people are at a higher risk of getting a STD, including Chlamydia. CDC states there are currently 110 million people infected with a STD and 20 million new infections yearly.


Can it affect my baby if I’m pregnant?

Untreated Chlamydia has been linked to problems during pregnancy including preterm labor and low birth weight. Chlamydia can also be passed to your baby during delivery, and if untreated can result in eye and lung infections. All pregnant women should be tested for Chlamydia at least once, and possibly more if they are at high risk.


Common symptoms of Chlamydia

Often there are no symptoms present in those infected with Chlamydia. If there are symptoms, they differ in men and women.


Symptoms in men:

  • Discharge from penis
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Burning and/or itching around the penis opening.


Symptoms in women:

  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding
  • Abdominal pain or back pain
  • Pain during intercourse


Rectal Infections:

  • Discharge
  • Rectal pain
  • Bleeding


How can I know if I’m infected?

Getting tested is the only way to know for sure. If you are showing any symptoms, or think you are at risk, you should get tested. A simple urine test is the most common way to test for Chlamydia.


Can Chlamydia be cured?

Yes, with the proper treatment Chlamydia can be cured once diagnosed. It is important for you to take all medication prescribed to cure the infection and that you not share your medication with anyone else. Medication can stop the infection, but it cannot undo any permanent damage caused by the disease. Repeat infection is common, so you should be tested again about 3 months after treatment even if your partner was treated.


What if I don’t get treated?

If untreated, not only will you spread the disease if you continue to be sexually active, but it can have lasting affects on your health. In women, it can spread to you uterus and fallopian tubes causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can result in the formation of scar tissue that block the fallopian tubes, an ectopic pregnancy, infertility and long-term pelvic and/or abdominal pain. In men, there are fewer long-term health problems. It can spread to the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles resulting in pain and fever. Occasionally it can result in men being unable to have children. Left untreated it may also increase your risk of getting HIV.


At Collage we care about you and want you to have all the information you need to take care of yourself when it comes to your sexual health. If you think you might have Chlamydia, we offer complimentary STD testing and treatment at no cost to you. We’d love to have you come in for a test and to answer any questions you may have.

3 Things Needed Before Abortion

November 5, 2024
When an unexpected pregnancy leads you to consider abortion, it can be hard to know where to start or what’s necessary. However, before making a decision, you can take three essential steps to ensure your health and safety.

What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?

September 19, 2024
Identifying the signs of complications from an incomplete abortion is crucial to preventing further issues. You must proactively seek medical attention at the first indication that something isn’t right. Explore the warning signs of an incomplete abortion below. If you have any questions or concerns, consider scheduling a no-cost appointment with one of our licensed medical professionals today. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below after an abortion, please contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. What is an Incomplete Abortion? An incomplete abortion, also known as " retained products of conception " (RPOC), occurs when fetal or placental tissue remains in the uterus after an elective abortion or miscarriage. If not properly treated, this condition can result in serious complications, including severe infection and heavy bleeding. It’s essential to monitor your health closely and seek medical care if you notice any warning signs of an incomplete abortion. What To Look For Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of an incomplete abortion. Heavy bleeding or blood clots after pregnancy could indicate a problem. Heavy bleeding can be described as soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row. Other symptoms to be aware of include: Fever. Hypomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstrual periods). Infection. Pelvic pain. What To Do If you suspect an incomplete abortion, it's vital to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis, often including a transvaginal ultrasound. Treatment options for an incomplete abortion may include medication or surgery. Your health is the top priority, and it's essential to trust your instincts. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to visit your local emergency room. Free Pregnancy Services If you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, you can find many resources at Collage. We provide no-cost pregnancy services to help you feel equipped to navigate your situation. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment so you can protect your health and get critical details about your pregnancy. Make a free appointment to talk with one of our team today.

What Are the Mental Health Effects of Abortion?

August 29, 2024
When considering an abortion, it's essential to acknowledge both your physical and mental health. While you may already be familiar with the physical risks of abortion, understanding the mental health effects is equally important. An abortion can bring a range of emotions , from relief to guilt, loss, and sadness, and it's crucial to recognize and address these feelings. Every woman's experience is unique, and the emotional impact can vary widely. Acknowledging your mental health is an essential step in caring for yourself during this time. We’ill explore the potential mental health effects of abortion and provide resources to help you manage your emotional well-being. Feeling Pressure A study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons reported that 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into getting one. Of these women, many reported negative mental health outcomes afterward, including feelings of: Worthlessness Being unworthy of love Low self-esteem Anxiety Shame Guilt Regret Self-hatred What this means is feeling pressured to make your decision is one of the most significant risk factors for experiencing negative mental health outcomes. You can prioritize your health by making sure this decision is yours. Other Risk Factors Another thing to look out for when you’re considering abortion is any risk factors that would make you susceptible to mental health issues. Some of these pre-existing factors that can contribute to an issue after an abortion include: Having a history of prior mental illness Having moral or religious beliefs that conflict with abortion Having a maternal desire to have children now or in the future Mental Health Risks Study findings also show abortion is associated with higher rates of various mental health issues, including: Anxiety Depression Substance use Traumatic symptoms Sleep disorders Get Support You don’t have to go through an unexpected pregnancy alone. Collage provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and more to help you feel equipped. We also offer after-abortion support for women who’ve undergone an abortion procedure. You can find healing and support through us. Reach out to us to request a no-cost and confidential appointment today. *All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
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