Now you know how my mind works-I see organs everywhere! Guess what I see when I look at Dungeness Bay? Hint: it rhymes with humerus.
So, a few words on chlamydia. Chlamydia is a type of bacteria passed during sexual contact and the world’s most common STD. 70-95 percent of infected women have no obvious symptoms! Undiagnosed chlamydia is a leading cause of infertility and can lead to pelvic pain and pelvic inflammatory disease. Chlamydia can cause scarring and permanent damage to the tissues of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, uterine tubes, rectum, throat, epididymis, and urinary tract. It can also affect the eyes.
Chlamys is Greek for cloak. Chlamydia must cloak itself in another cell in order to multiply. Because it’s cloaked the patrolling immune cells have difficulty recognizing and destroying them. Chlamydia can linger for decades without obvious symptoms.
Medication will stop the infection if taken correctly, but it will not repair any permanent damage done by the disease. Early treatment is imperative. Prevention is even better for preventing uterine scarring.
Resources and guidelines:
Planned Parenthood answers questions on prevention and treatment HERE.
Centers for disease control and prevention.
