Chlamydia refers to a common sexually transmitted bacterial infection that can wreak havoc on your genital tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Usually, chlamydia is asymptomatic in its initial stages but as the disease progresses, you may experience stomach or pelvic pain, painful urination, painful sexual intercourse or vaginal or penile discharge. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 4 million people in the United States are infected with chlamydia each year. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to major complications.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
According to the Mayo Clinic, chlamydia can lead to serious infections of your pelvic organs if you don't treat the infection with antibiotics. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) specifically affects your uterus and Fallopian tubes (tubes that connect your ovaries to your uterus) and can lead to abscesses (pockets of infection) on these organs if left untreated. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that PID occurs in up to 40 percent of women whose chlamydial disease goes untreated.
Ectopic Pregnancy
The CDC states that women with chlamydia can develop a pregnancy outside of their uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and you will most likely miscarry since the baby cannot receive proper nutrients and grow. If you suffer from an ectopic pregnancy, you may experience unusual vaginal bleeding, nausea and stomach or pelvic pain. It can be life-threatening.
Male Infections
According to the Mayo Clinic, chlamydia can also lead to epididymitis or prostatitis. Epididymitis refers to an inflammation of the tubes near your testicles. Symptom of this infection include scrotal pain, swelling and fever. Prostatitis refers to an infection of your prostate (a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system). Symptoms of prostatitis include fever, chills, back pain and painful urination or sexual intercourse.
HIV
According to the CDC, chlamydia sufferers are five times more likely to contract HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This is an autoimmune disorder in which your body is unable to protect itself from such foreign invaders as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Pelvic Pain and Infertility
Chlamydil infections can attack your female reproductive structures and lead to chronic pelvic pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. This infection can leave its mark on your body with permanent scarring to your Fallopian tubes. This scarring results in an inability to become pregnant.
Reiter's Syndrome
The CDC states that Reiter's syndrome is a rare complication of chlamydia infection. Reiter's syndrome is characterized by such symptoms as arthritis, skin lesions and inflammation of your eyes or urethra.
Other Side Effects
The Mayo Clinics states that chlamydia can lead to rectal inflammation if you engage in anal sex. You can also develop an eye infection if you touch your eye with a contaminated hand. It is crucial to promptly treat chlamydia as this may lead to blindness. Having chlamydia also puts you at high risk for having other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea.
