Chlamydia is a common venereal disease, yet many individuals who have it are not aware that they are living with this illness. This is because, it is asymptomatic in most cases. Also, if there are indeed any signs, it can be similar with those of other STDs. So, it’s hard to tell if a person has chlamydia with just the symptoms as the basis. Getting tested is the only surefire way to find out.
What is chlamydia anyway? As mentioned, it is a type of STD that is caused by the bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis, which can only replicate in human cells. Chlamydia trachomatis doesn’t only cause some forms of STIs—it is also known as a common culprit of the disease called trachoma, which can lead to blindness if not given proper medication within a considerable amount of time.
Young people who are sexually active, engaging in sex with many different partners are most susceptible to this disease. This is because the young cells that a young person’s body has would most likely attract the foreign matter causing STDs such as chlamydia, more than those of the older adults.
One could get infected through oral, vaginal, or anal sex with another person who has it. A newborn infant could possibly acquire this disease if its mother is chlamydia-positive. This is why pregnant women are also advised to get tested for chlamydia at the start of their pregnancy. If a pregnant woman finds out she is positive, it is important the she carefully discuss with her doctor what medications would be safe for her baby. It is even more vital if she can do her own research about those medications.
What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?
Some women who have contracted this illness might experience an odorous abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination and sexual intercourse, itching or burning sensation in or around the vagina, lower abdominal aches, and fever.
Meanwhile, some men who have been infected with chlamydia might also complain about similar symptoms such as painful urination, unusual discharge from the genital, and itching or burning sensation around the genital area. Some might experience swelling of the testicles as well. Read more about that on this useful source.
It should be noted though that these symptoms can be associated with other health issues. Therefore, if you experience several or all of these, you would only find out what’s causing them if you undergo a medical examination.
Where and How to Get a Home Test Kit for Chlamydia
Nowadays, home test kits for STDs such as chlamydia are available. The aim of such home test kits is to offer utmost confidentiality to individuals who wish to get tested for any STD they suspect they might have been infected with.
Where and how can you find a home test kit anyway? Because the main goal why those home test kits are created is to provide convenience and privacy, you may easily purchase one online from a trusted website that offers it. All you need to do is to search online by typing in the keywords “STD home test kits”. In just a few seconds, relevant sites that offer home test kits for chlamydia would be shown on your search engine results.
You may notice several websites on the search results which is why choosing one could take you some time. To narrow it down, you may check first which websites serve within your area. The easiest option is to order a test kit from a laboratory or company that’s closest to your location. Review relevant information and clear instructions from the website on how the home test kit works before placing your order.
Once you’ve chosen a company where you can purchase a test kit, you can place your order online. After a few days, it will be delivered to you—take note, it doesn’t include any information on the packaging that it contains an STD home test kit. Thus, you can be sure that your utmost privacy is respected. Find out more here.
Getting yourself tested for chlamydia may simply require you to take bodily specimen such as urine. For women, you may be asked to get a swab from the inside of your genitals. After obtaining the sample, you’ll send it back to the laboratory that will handle the exam. Once the result is ready, you may get it through an email, or you may privately access it from the website.
What if You’re Chlamydia-Positive?
If the result reveals that you are chlamydia-positive, you need to set a medical appointment at your trusted doctor’s clinic right away. It is important to undergo medication right after you’ve found out that your chlamydia-positive. Delaying your treatment could put you at risk of getting more complications and irreversible damage in your reproductive system which could impact your overall health. Research reveals that a person who has been infected with chlamydia might be at higher risk of contracting HIV, cervical cancer, and other STIs.
Despite the seriousness of the possible complications the disease might cause, there is no need to panic. The sooner you find out about your condition, the better. You’ll have better chances to avoid those worse problems.
Remember too that once you’re treated, it doesn’t mean that you’ll never get infected again in the future. Therefore, there’s always a good reason to uphold high moral standards.
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