The health of our bodies is of utmost importance and we must pay a great deal of concern to it. There are a number of factors that can hamper the normal functioning of our bodies, top among them being diseases. Some diseases are caused by pathogens or micro-organisms which penetrate the body via various means and eventually, if ignored, may lead to serious consequences.
Chlamydia is a rather common type of Sexually Transmitted Infection, commonly referred to as STI. Many just hear of it but are not quite fully aware of the facts involved with this particular STI.
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Recent studies have shown that Chlamydia is the number one STI in the United States and the UK: a fact that has led to the widespread awareness to undergo chlamydia testing among young people. The bacteria can be passed during sex or can also be transmitted from infected mother to the child during birth. Once infected, the bacteria start multiplying and a number of symptoms can appear. They include vaginal or penile discharge, burning sensation during urination as well as lower abdominal pain during intercourse or irregular bleeding between periods in women and swelling of the testicles for men. Despite this, the disease is quite often asymptomatic, meaning no symptoms appear - a fact that justifies the reiteration of the message about the need for a Chlamydia testing for all sexually active people who change partners.
There is a great deal of ignorance about the consequences of not getting tested and treated. For the women, it causes damage to the uterus, fallopian tubes and surrounding tissues. In the long term however, it can gradually damage both the male and female reproductive organs and eventually cause infertility. Another study has also shown that women infected with Chlamydia have higher chances of getting HIV if exposed.
These facts should be a major wake up call to those who want to make sure that their sexual health are preserved.