In this video, we delve into the symptoms of chlamydia, a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia can affect both men and women, and it can also manifest in areas beyond the genitals, such as the rectum, throat, and eyes. We'll also discuss when to seek medical advice and where to get help. Each section is time-stamped in the video for your convenience. If you find this information useful, please like the video and subscribe to the channel for more medical education content.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that chlamydia is one of the most common STIs globally. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex, meaning sex without a condom. While it is most prevalent among teenagers and young adults, it can affect individuals of any age.

Now that we know what chlamydia is and how it is transmitted, let’s explore the symptoms. Interestingly, most people with chlamydia do not notice any symptoms. This asymptomatic nature is why it is recommended in the UK that sexually active individuals under the age of 25 get tested for chlamydia annually, as well as whenever they have new or casual partners. If symptoms do appear, they typically manifest between one and three weeks after unprotected sex with an infected person. However, for some, symptoms may not develop until several months later. It's important to note that symptoms can sometimes disappear after a few days, but this does not mean the infection is gone. You may still have chlamydia and be able to transmit it.

Because symptoms differ between men and women, let's discuss them separately. For women, at least 70% do not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include pain during urination (dysuria), unusual vaginal discharge (which can be white, yellow, or gray and may or may not have an odor), abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during sex (dysphoria), bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding), and bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding). If left untreated, chlamydia can spread to the womb and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious condition that can lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility. I will cover the complications of untreated chlamydia in more detail in another video on this channel, so stay tuned.

For men, at least half do not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include pain during urination, white, cloudy, or watery discharge from the tip of the penis, a burning or itching sensation in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the penis), and testicular pain. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause swelling in the epididymis (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles) and the testicles themselves, potentially affecting fertility.

Chlamydia can also affect areas other than the genitals, including the rectum, throat, and eyes. In the rectum, it can cause discomfort and discharge if you have unprotected anal sex. In the throat, it can result from unprotected oral sex, though this is relatively uncommon and usually asymptomatic. If the eyes come into contact with infected semen or vaginal fluid, it can cause redness, pain, and discharge, a condition known as conjunctivitis.

So, when should you seek medical advice? In the UK, if you have any symptoms of chlamydia or are concerned that you might have contracted it from unprotected sex, you should visit your local Sexual Health Clinic as soon as possible. The NHS website has an easy-to-use section to help you locate a clinic, and I’ve included a link in the video description. If you live in the USA, the CDC-backed Get Tested website can help you find free, fast, and confidential testing near you, and I’ve included a link to this site as well. If you live elsewhere, consult your nearest healthcare provider for assistance.

To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia, check out another video on my channel where I cover these topics in greater detail.

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