How common is Chlamydia?
It’s no secret that Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. In fact, over 161,000 new cases in 2020 occurred in England alone. But despite how common this infection is, there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about it. So today, we’re debunking five of the most common Chlamydia myths, including can you pass Chlamydia by kissing. Knowing the truth about this infection can help keep you safe and informed. So let’s get started!
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and is most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. If left untreated, Chlamydia can cause serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in men include:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Abnormal discharge from the penis
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
Symptoms of Chlamydia in women include:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Vaginal discharge that is yellow or bloody
- Pain during sex
- Abdominal pain
However, many people who are infected with Chlamydia do not experience any symptoms.
How is Chlamydia passed?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be passed from person to person through unprotected sex. The bacteria that causes Chlamydia, Chlamydia trachomatis, can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, and throat.
Chlamydia can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom or other barrier method. The bacteria can also be passed from a mother to her baby during childbirth.
If you think you may have Chlamydia, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get tested and start treatment. Chlamydia is a common STI that can be cured with antibiotics, but if left untreated it can cause serious complications that may affect your fertility or lead to other health issues. So be sure to get tested and take steps to protect yourself from this and other STIs.
5 myths vs. facts about Chlamydia
Here are 5 myths about Chlamydia that we’re here to debunk:
Myth 1: You can catch/pass Chlamydia by kissing.
Fact: No, you cannot pass Chlamydia by kissing. It can be passed from one person to another through contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral. Luckily, you are very unlikely to pass Chlamydia by kissing.
Myth 2: You can get Chlamydia from sharing towels.
Fact: No, Chlamydia cannot be passed by sharing towels or other such items. (5)
Myth 3: Chlamydia makes you infertile.
Fact: In most cases, Chlamydia will not cause permanent damage to fertility in women. However, if left untreated, it can lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause scarring and make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. However, if a man has had Chlamydia, he may still be able to have children.
Myth 4: Getting tested for Chlamydia is not easy.
Fact: No, Chlamydia testing is not difficult. In fact, it is quite easy to get tested for Chlamydia. You can either visit your doctor or go to a local health clinic to get tested. The test only requires a urine sample or a swab of the cervix (for women), and it is quick and painless. Results are typically back within a few days. If you test positive for Chlamydia, don’t worry – it can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Myth 5: Chlamydia goes away on its own.
Fact: Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, so it cannot go away on its own. The only way to get rid of chlamydia is to take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. It is important to take all of the antibiotics as directed and to abstain from activity until the infection is completely gone. Additionally, it is important to notify all recent sexual partners so that they can get tested and treated if necessary (you cannot pass Chlamydia by kissing so you only need to notify partners you have had sexual contact with).
Why should you not hide Chlamydia?
While it may seem easier to keep your status as a Chlamydia carrier a secret (even though you cannot pass Chlamydia by kissing), there are several reasons why this is not advisable. First and foremost, keeping your condition hidden can hinder your ability to get the treatment you need and you may end up experiencing chronic symptoms or complications as a result.
In addition, if the infection spreads, it could put others at risk without them even knowing about it. Therefore, whether you decide to confide in a partner or family member or approach your doctor for advice, it is important to keep open and honest communication about Chlamydia. By doing so, you can help ensure that together we can stop the spread of this treatable condition and protect both yourself and those around you from further harm.
How can I prevent myself from getting Chlamydia?
Following are some ways to prevent Chlamydia:
- Abstain from sharing sex toys
- Use condoms every time you have sex
- Limit your number of sexual partners
If you think you might have Chlamydia, see a GP immediately to get tested and treated.
Are there medications available for Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is usually treated with antibiotics, and two of the most commonly prescribed medications include:
- Doxycycline tablets: Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that works by preventing the bacteria from growing and multiplying.
- Azithromycin tablets: Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that also works by interfering with bacterial growth.
Both drugs are effective at treating Chlamydia. It is important to take the medication prescribed by your GP to ensure that the infection is properly treated.
Also, to avoid cross-medication, inform your GP about any other medications you are taking.
Can I get these medications online?
When it comes to purchasing Doxycycline and Azithromycin online, you want to ensure that you are getting these medications from a reputable pharmacy that is registered and has a proven track record of quality customer service.
e-Surgery, which offers both of these important antibiotics online, has built its reputation on providing reliable services and guarantees that you can trust. The online pharmacy is fully licensed and regulated by the healthcare authority, so you can be confident that you are getting safe, high-quality medications when you purchase Doxycycline or Azithromycin. Additionally, the ordering process is streamlined and easy to use, so you can get exactly what you need for your treatment efficiently and discreetly.
Sources
- STI rates remain a concern despite fall in 2020 – GOV.UK (GOV.UK)
- Chlamydia – Medical Microbiology – NCBI Bookshelf (NCBI)
- Chlamydia: Symptoms, Treatments, Causes, and More (Healthline)
- Chlamydia: Can You Catch It from Kissing? (Healthline)
- Chlamydia – NHS (NHS)
Further Reading
- Can you get Chlamydia from kissing? (YourSexualHealth)
- Which STD’s can spread from kissing? (MedicalNewsToday)
- Can you get Chlamydia by Kissing? (freetest.me)