It is called the “silent epidemic,” more than four million peoplewill be victims of it this year.
It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the UnitedStates and is virtually unknown to many. The new cases are four timesmore common than genital herpes and genital warts combined.
This STD is chlamydia, and 80 percent of women and 30 percent ofmen who have chlamydia don’t even know they have it because theydon’t experience any symptoms, according to Sara McArdle, healtheducator for Student Health Services.
Chlamydia is spread through unprotected vaginal and anal sex. Thesymptoms are vast and varied. If treated in its beginning stages withantibiotics, it clears away, McArdle said. When taken correctly, themedication works effectively and quickly. Treatment must be completedin order for the infection to be completely cured.
Symptoms for men include a burning sensation during urination,urethral discharge, burning and itching around the opening of thepenis, as well as pain and swelling of the testicles.
Women may experience increased vaginal discharge, painful urination,unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, lower abdominal pain,low-grade fever, the urge to urinate more than usual and a yellowishdischarge from the cervix that may have a foul odor.
One SDSU student had a sexual experience that led to hercontracting chlamydia.
“I went to a party and got really drunk and I spent the night withsomeone I didn’t know,” she said. “About a week later, I startedspotting and had a weird vaginal discharge. I went to Student HealthServices because I thought I had a yeast infection. The thought of anSTD didn’t even cross my mind. So when they told me I had chlamydia Iwas totally shocked.”
Chlamydia is the number one bacterial STD in the United Statestoday. It is most common among 17-30 year-olds because they are morelikely to have multiple partners.
Those at an increased risk are people who acquire a new partner,have more than one partner, have sex with someone who is known tohave other partners, and anyone who does not use barrier-typecontraceptives, such as condoms.
McArdle said if left untreated, chlamydia can lead tocomplications for both men and women. The complications for men areinflammation of the testicles and epididymitis. Epididymitis canoccur if it spreads from the urethra to the testicles, and it cancause sterility. The symptoms of epididymitis are fever and swellingand extreme pain in the scrotum.
If women do not get treatment for chlamydia, it can progress topelvic inflammatory disease, she said. Symptoms of PID are longer,heavier periods, more cramping during periods, abnormal mucusdischarge, pain in the lower abdomen, tiredness, weakness, fever,vomiting and pain during vaginal intercourse. PID may causeinfertility in women.
If a woman is pregnant, chlamydia can also affect the baby.
The test for chlamydia consists of a vaginal swab test for women,and a urine test for men, McArdle said. This service is available atSHS for a $10 fee.
People who think they may be infected should avoid any sexualcontact and get tested.
To schedule an appointment or for more information, call SHS at594-528
