Chlamydia Raises Risk Of Future Ectopic Pregnancy

If you have previously been exposed to or treated for the Sexually Transmitted Disease, Chlamydia, the lasting effects of that infection could leave your body predisposed to ectopic pregnancies in the future.

Chlamydia is an STD/STI that has seen a recent increase among the general population. It has been called the "silent infection" because many of the symptoms appear mild or absent.

An infected male will have some discharge from his penis to warn him that he has contracted the infection and prompt him to get treatment.

For women, symptoms will generally appear within the first three weeks of exposure. The symptoms include an "abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. If the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus), some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. Chlamydial infection of the cervix can spread to the rectum."

But that isn't even the really scary part- "In women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This happens in about 10 to 15 percent of women with untreated chlamydia. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. The damage can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)."

An ectopic pregnancy can be a real danger if it isn't detected early enough:

Signs and Symptoms
Ectopic pregnancy can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often mirror those of a normal early pregnancy. These can include missed periods, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, or frequent urination.

The first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are often pain or vaginal bleeding. You might feel pain in your pelvis, abdomen, or, in extreme cases, even your shoulder or neck (if blood from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy builds up and irritates certain nerves). Most women describe the pain as sharp and stabbing. It may concentrate on one side of the pelvis and come and go or vary in intensity.

Any of the following additional symptoms can also suggest an ectopic pregnancy:

•vaginal spotting
•dizziness or fainting (caused by blood loss)
•low blood pressure (also caused by blood loss)
•lower back pain

As frightening as this news is, it may help some women understand why they may be dealing with infertility if they have had Chlamydia in the past. It can also be a good reminder to women to visit with their doctor and have healthy screen checks when ever they change sexual partners. Insisting on condom use when you are not in a committed, monogamous relationship will go a long way towards ensuring your reproductive health in the years to come. After all, ectopic pregnancy and chlamydia = no thank you. Definitely not something you will want to have to deal with.