How does chlamydia affect your life?

Answer 1

There aren't any really. Chlamydia is what is known as a 'silent disease'. It doesn't cause any particularly unpleasant symptoms in males or females, so it is really easy to have it and not know.

The problem comes when a female with chlamydia decides she want children. Chlamydia causes infertility that is not reversible. Which means lots of money on IVF or surrogates for a couple desperate to have a child. Sadly, this isn't what most teenagers are thinking about when they have unprotected sex, so chlamydia is on the rise.

It IS serious, it IS easily treatable (better to be treated before the damage is done though), it IS easy to avoid if you use condoms and it IS something you should get tested for if you think you've been exposed. There's no shame in being tested. I've done it, millions of people have done it, if you don't want to do it then never have sex without a condom. Simple.

Answer 2

Chlamydia, though nearly symptomless, can have a large impact on a person's life.

• Chlamydia is the leading cause of female infertility, which can begin to occur within weeks of infection, even before a woman has symptoms. It can also cause chronic pelvic pain as a result of scarring from pelvic inflammatory disease. It can cause infertility in men as well.
• It is easily spread from one sexual partner to another. It can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sexual intercourse; genital-genital contact; or sharing sex toys.
• A pregnant woman with chlamydia has a higher risk of preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes.

Chlamydia has the highest rates in people 15-26 years old. A person can become infected multiple times.

Someone who is sexually active should be tested (a simple urine test) if they have a new partner. Women 26 and under should be tested annually regardless of whether they have a new partner. Treatment is simple and reliable.

Answer 3

"Social disease" is an old-fashioned euphemism for venereal disease or sexually transmitted disease. Since chlamydia is spread by oral, anal, and vaginal sex, it may be called a "social disease."

Answer 4

Chlamydia is the leading cause of acquired infertility. It has high costs for society in terms of health care costs and chronic pain.

Answer 5

Chlamydia affects the community primarily through the long-term damage that it may cause. PID, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility increase health care costs in the community.