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Chlamydia Trachomatis
You have received your lab results and they indicate that you have tested positive for Chlamydia. Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 2.8 million people are infected each year. Chlamydia affects both women and men in all age groups.
Complications
Once you have been diagnosed with having Chlamydia it is not hard to treat. However, if you go without treatment it can lead to serious health issues such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) - In the United States about 1 million women get PID and half of those cases resulted from chlamydia. PID is an infection which affects the reproductive organs. If gone untreated the infection can cause scarring which could lead to infertility.
- Prostatitis-Chlamydia can spread to your prostate gland and cause inflammation. In some cases this can cause infertility.
- Eye infection- If the eye comes in contact with some infected secretion it can cause conjunctivitis. If conjunctivitis is left untreated then it can lead to blindness.
- Rectal inflammation- Inflammation of the rectum. This causes severe discomfort and pain.
- Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)- A women with chlamydia will have a higher risk of contracting HIV if exposed to that virus.
- Infections in newborns- If you give vaginal birth while having chlamydia it can pass to your newborn during delivery. The baby can contract an eye infection or pneumonia.
Treatment
Chlamydia is commonly treated with antibiotics. Your physician may choose to treat you with one of the two common antibiotics azithromycin or doxycycline. There are some cases where a doctor may prescribe something other than these two based on your medical history.
What to tell your partner?
It is important to remember that you or your partner may have had chlamydia for years. It is not the time to blame anyone for the situation. Even though it might not be easy to address this issue with your partner it is very important that you do so for their health and your own. Your partner should be informed as soon as possible so that they may get tested and treated. If you don't tell your partner and they are infected this can cause their body harm in the long run. You are also putting yourself at risk to be re-infected after getting treated. Make sure that you and your partner refrain from sexual activity until both of your courses of treatment are completed.
How do you know that you are cured?
If you have followed your health care professionals recommendation for treatment and have stayed away from the risk of being re-infected then you should be cured. It is a good idea to get retested to insure that you are free of infection.(no sooner then 3 weeks after treatment)
Keeping Track of your Test Results and your Treatment Plan
- Keep a record book containing dates of your tests, the results and the follow up steps. As information is passed between you and your doctor remember to note what was discussed and the date and note when repeat tests are recommended and date and time they get scheduled. Keep this information organized in one place along with other test information such as breast exams.
- If you don't hear back from your doctor then take the time to call and receive your test results. You can also request copies of the actual lab reports. Make sure to ask the doctor or nurse any questions that you may have regarding your test results.
- All the information that you gather and organize will help you formulate any questions or concerns you would like to share with your healthcare provider. Keep this list along with the other records that you have been keeping.
- Getting organized and informed helps you stay in some control of your situation and the paths you take. Your records will also be helpful should you have to seek aid from another healthcare provider.
Important questions to ask your physician
- What do the results mean?
- What are my follow-up options?
- Which option would you suggest and why?
- Are there any side effects or risks to the options I am considering?
- What steps can I take to prevent from getting re-infected?
- When is it recommended that I go for a repeat chlamydia test?
Additional Resources
This report is intended for patient education and information only. It does not constitute advice, nor should it be taken to suggest or replace professional medical care from your physician. Your treatment options may vary, depending upon medical history and current condition. Only your physician and you can determine your best option.
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