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order to prevent contracting a sexually transmitted disease, annual
physical check-up is recommended; particularly for sexually active
adults 20 and over. Moreover, annual screenings are recommended
for older women with certain risk factors, multiple sex partners
or a new sexual companion. The
long term effects of Chlamydia are unusual in the male gender.
In certain cases, the infection may spread to the epididymis
(the tube that transports sperm from the testis). In a few cases
fever coupled with pain have been reported; however, there are
not many cited cased of sterility.
Other infrequent
cases of genital Chlamydia infections may trigger arthritis
followed by an inflammation of the urethra and eye and skin
lesions.
In newborn babies,
Chlamydia is one of the major causes of early infant pneumonia
and pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Laboratory tests
may be conducted to diagnose chlamydia. The tests may analyze
urine, a specimen collected from the cervix or penis.
The treatment of
Chlamydia is curable or treatable with antibiotics. The most
prevalently prescribed medications include a single dose of
azithromycin or weekly usage of doxycycline.
Patients
diagnosed with HIV should be administered the same treatment
as individuals who do not have HIV.
Until the Chlamydia
infection is cleared entirely, individuals afflicted with the
STD should not engage in sexual intercourse.
Multiple Chlamydia
infections may render a women susceptible to permanently damaging
their reproductive system or even infertility.
Between three to
four months preceding chlamydia infection, a reevaluation is
recommended to ensure that they have not been re-infected by
an untreated sex partner.
Abstinence along
with latex condoms are the best ways to avoid contracting Chlamydia
and other sexually transmitted diseases.
To learn more about
sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia visit Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/std
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