TeenHealthFX - Answers - Afraid I Have Chlamydia

Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: January 15, 2003

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Please help me! I know that you can't diagnose me over the Internet but I have been reading EVERYTHING I can about the STD Chlamydia. I'm afraid I may have it. I can't be tested at this time due to a current family situation, but I need to know what is wrong. Around and in my vagina it itches. Lately, I have been having this clear discharge that occasionally has a few small white chunks. It doesn't really have an odd smell though. I did have unprotected sex with a guy I though I trusted. It burns slightly when I sue the bathroom and if I touch the red area where it itches, it also burns. I have had yeast infections before but I don't really remember how much of a similarity there is between those times and this one. I'm sooooo scared. I thought maybe it was a minor irritation due to the fact that I sometimes don't wear underwear, which is kinda yucky. I also have a boyfriend that I'm afraid may now get the disease if I do in fact have it. Please help me.

Signed: Afraid I Have Chlamydia

Dear Afraid I Have Chlamydia,

TeenHealthFX is concerned about your burning sensation after sex, the unusual discharge you are seeing, and the fact that you have unprotected sex with your boyfriend. We don't know what your family situation is but it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to get diagnosed and treated. Although you are thinking you may have Chlamydia, it is important to realize that it is not the only possibility. Many different things, including an irritation or another sexually transmitted disease could cause symptoms like these. It is important to take care of any irritation or STD to prevent any harm to your reproductive organs and to prevent passing anything on to your partner.

Chlamydia, which strikes about 3 million Americans a year, is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the U.S. Although the disease is easily cured by antibiotics, if left untreated it can result in the development of serious complications such as damage to the fallopian tubes (the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus) causing pelvic inflammatory disease, which strikes 500,000 women a year and may result in sterility. Untreated Chlamydia infection can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy (when the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus) and premature birth.

TeenHealthFX strongly suggests that you not have sex until you check with your doctor. If this is Chlamydia, it is important that you don't spread it to your partner. Make your doctor's appointment today and please do not delay. Let the receptionist know that you are having some discomfort and need to be seen ASAP. You can go to a teen health center where they can see you without your parent's permission and on a low/no cost basis. If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health for an appointment at (973) 8971.6475. In all other areas, please call your local Planned Parenthood.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

Signed: TeenHealthFX