There is only 100 percent effective way to practice Chlamydia prevention and that is through abstinence of sex acts of any kind. Using protection during every sexual encounter is the next best way to prevent contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
With more and more teens becoming exposed to Chlamydia, it is no wonder it is the most common type of STI especially among teens and young adults. Efforts toward Chlamydia prevention is the best way to help cut down the number of infected teens and adults with Chlamydia and help stop the spread of the infection, which can cause serious internal problems including cases of infertility.
Chlamydia is passed during sexual contact between partners with one who is infected with Chlamydia. Teenage pregnancy and STDs are a very serious combination. It can also be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her baby during the birthing process as the baby passes through the infected birth canal. Often times, the baby will develop eye infections or even pneumonia as a result. Chlamydia is often known as the “silent” sexually transmitted infection because in the majority of cases, there are no symptoms, but the sexually transmitted disease (STD) can still be causing internal problems like pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which might eventually cause infertility. Although, it is rare, Chlamydia can also cause sterility in men. STD statistics show, women only show symptoms in about 30 percent of cases and men demonstrate signs in about 50 percent of cases of Chlamydia.
Here are some Chlamydia symptoms to watch out for:
- Abdominal pain
- Low-grade fever
- Burning/painful and frequent urination
- Vaginal/anal swelling
- Swollen testicles
- Unusually colored or smelling discharge from the vagina or penis
- Bleeding or spotting in between periods
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Itching and bleeding on or around the anus
- Some of these symptoms, especially in males, may only appear in the morning
Even though Chlamydia is easily treated through the use of doctor-prescribed antibiotics, most of the time the infected person does not even know they have it, which is why it is so easily transferred from person to person. This is why practicing Chlamydia prevention is the best medicine.
Chlamydia Prevention:
- Abstinence from sex or sexual contact of any kind is the only way to fully prevent Chlamydia or any other type of STD or STI.
- The second best method of Chlamydia prevention is to always use a latex condom or other spermicide to help prevent catching or spreading the infection. However, keep in mind that these Chlamydia prevention methods are never 100 percent effective, and must be used properly to get the best results.
- Frequent STD testing for Chlamydia or other sexually transmitted diseases is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your sexual partner(s). All sexually active teens and adults should take part in testing regularly to make sure they are not infected with Chlamydia or any other type of STI. Especially if you are not showing STD symptoms, getting tested is the only way to find out for sure if you are infected.
- Because there are different STD tests for different STD’s, make sure you ask your doctor which test is the best for you to take.
- If you do find that you are infected with Chlamydia, make sure you and each of your sexual partner(s) get treatment. Chances are, even if they are not showing Chlamydia symptoms, they are infected and need to be treated before you resume engaging in sexual activities with current or new partners. This will help stop spreading the disease even further.
Chlamydia prevention practices are the only way to stop Chlamydia from continuing to grow and spread affecting even more teens and young adults.
Sources: cdc.gov, plannedparenthood.org, www.emedicinehealth.com
