Florida Chlamydia Testing: A Comprehensive Overview

What is Chlamydia? Understanding the Infection

Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is transmitted through sexual contact and can infect various body parts, including the urethra, reproductive organs, rectum, and even the eyes. It’s one of the most common STDs globally and increases the risk of HIV infection. Pregnant women with Chlamydia risk passing it to their babies, leading to severe complications.

Chlamydia Facts: What You Need to Know

• Prevalence: Chlamydia is especially common among teens and young adults.
• Symptoms: Many individuals with Chlamydia exhibit no symptoms.
• Transmission: It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can pass chlamydia to others without knowing it.
• Treatment: Chlamydia is easy to treat and cure and is curable with antibiotics.
• Consequences of Non-Treatment: If left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues.

HOW CAN I LOWER MY RISK FOR CHLAMYDIA?

Preventing Chlamydia involves abstinence or having sex with a monogamous, uninfected partner. Using condoms correctly every time you have sex can significantly reduce the risk. Remember, washing the genitals, urinating, or douching after sex will not prevent any STD.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET CHLAMYDIA?

• You can get chlamydia by having sex with someone who has it.
• “Having sex” means having anal, oral, or vaginal sex.
• If you are a pregnant woman who has chlamydia, you can pass the infection to your baby.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Chlamydia

Symptoms in women can include unusual vaginal discharge, discomfort during urination or sex, and possibly lower abdominal pain if the infection spreads. Men might notice a discharge from the penis, burning during urination, or itching around the penile opening. Many cases remain asymptomatic.

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN

The majority of chlamydial infections in women do not cause any symptoms. You can get chlamydia in the cervix (opening to the womb), rectum, or throat. You may not notice any symptoms. But if you do have symptoms, you might notice:

• An unusual discharge, with a strong smell, from your vagina.
• Discomfort when you urinate and when you have sex.
• Irritation or itching around your genitals. If the infection spreads, you might get lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, nausea, or fever.

IF YOU ARE A MAN

The majority of chlamydial infections in men do not cause any symptoms. You can get chlamydia in the urethra (inside the penis),  rectum, or throat. You may not notice any symptoms. But if you do have symptoms, you might notice:

• A discharge from your penis.
• Burning when you urinate.
• Burning or itching around the opening of your penis.

Where to Get Tested for Chlamydia in Florida

Visit  Coastal Choices Medical Clinic for Chlamydia testing in Florida. Our clinic offers confidential, free testing and counseling services.

Chlamydia Testing Guidelines: When to Get Tested

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN

You should be tested for chlamydia at least once a year if you are:

• Younger than 25 and you’re having sex.
• 25 and older and you’re having sex with more than one partner.
• 25 and older and you have a new sex partner.
• Pregnant.

IF YOU ARE A MAN

See a doctor if your partner has chlamydia or symptoms that might be chlamydia. Gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men should also be tested for chlamydia.

MEN AND WOMEN

See a doctor if your partner has chlamydia or symptoms that might be chlamydia.

Chlamydia and Relationships: What You Need to Know

• Your partner may have chlamydia, too.
• Tell your recent sex partners, so they can get tested and treated.
• Avoid having sex until seven days after you’ve both started your
  treatment, so you don’t re-infect each other.

HOW IS CHLAMYDIA TREATED?

• Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.
• Finish all of the medicine to be sure you are cured.
• Do not share your medicine with anyone. You need all of it.
• If you still have symptoms after treatment, go back to see the doctor.
• You should get tested again about three months after you finish your treatment. This is especially important if you are not sure if your partner was also treated.

FAQs on Chlamydia in Florida

CAN I GET CHLAMYDIA AGAIN AFTER I’VE BEEN TREATED?

Yes, you can get chlamydia again. You can get it from an untreated partner or a new partner.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET TREATED?

IF YOU ARE A WOMAN

• If untreated, chlamydia can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection of the reproductive organs.
• PID can cause damage in your fallopian tubes. This damage may leave you unable to get pregnant or lead to an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).
• PID may also cause chronic pain in your pelvic area.
• If you have untreated chlamydia, you could pass the infection to your baby when giving birth. Chlamydia can cause serious health problems for babies.

IF YOU ARE A MAN

Chlamydia rarely causes long-term health problems in men. You may get an infection in the tube that carries sperm from the testes. This infection can cause pain and fever. In rare cases, this infection may prevent you from fathering children.

Maintaining your sexual health is vital, and regular testing plays a crucial role in this. In Florida, managing and preventing Chlamydia is made easier with accessible testing options. At Coastal Choices Medical Clinic in Deland, FL, you can take advantage of free Chlamydia testing services. Staying informed, responsible, and proactive about your sexual health is key to a healthy life. Don’t hesitate to utilize these valuable resources to ensure your wellbeing.