Any STI can cause serious long-term health issues if left untreated, and chlamydia is no exception. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria that can affect both men and women. The best way to detect chlamydia is through STI testing. STI testing can be stressful, but it’s important to stay on top of your health to avoid potential long-term health complications. These are some of the most common complications in those with untreated chlamydia:
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is a severe infection that affects the female reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. PID occurs when bacteria, such as the bacteria found in chlamydia, spreads into these reproductive organs. It can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, blocking the passage of eggs into the uterus and resulting in infertility. PID can be hard to recognize until it reaches a more advanced stage, where it can cause chronic pain and bleeding.
Reactive Arthritis
In some cases, untreated chlamydia can trigger reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome. Chlamydia is the most common cause of sexually acquired reactive arthritis, and it can affect both men and women but is more commonly found in men. It’s characterized by your joints and eyes or urethra becoming inflamed, which can cause severe discomfort.
Pregnancy Complications
Untreated chlamydia can result in a myriad of pregnancy complications. Pregnant women with chlamydia can pass the infection to their children during childbirth, which can result in serious eye infections or pneumonia in newborns. Untreated chlamydia also increases the risk for an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies cannot proceed as normal, and if left untreated, can be fatal.
Infertility
A very common result of untreated chlamydia is infertility. Conditions such as PID, which can lead to the scarring of fallopian tubes, prevent eggs from being fertilized. The disease can also create damage in the ovaries or testicles, which makes pregnancy very difficult.
Chlamydia should not be taken lightly, and without treatment, it can lead to some very serious health complications. However, these long-term effects can be prevented with the proper treatment and regular check-ups. Infections Managed, an infectious disease clinic in South Florida, is dedicated to providing confidential STI testing to help individuals take control of their sexual health. Book an appointment online with Infections Managed, or call us at 954-776-9992.