Oral sex, just like vaginal and anal sex, is a gateway to diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. A study conducted by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control revealed that 80% of adults aged between 15-44 years of age admitted to having engaged in oral sex at least once, while 65% had multiple partners. Among teens, 45% openly admitted to having participated in oral sex at least.
These numbers signify an alarming rate of acquiring oral STDs and position individuals who have numerous sex partners at a high risk. Notably, not only are the bacteria and viruses that cause chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea transmitted through oral sex, but also the virus that causes AIDS. Still, chlamydia remains the most communicable infection through oral sex.
03 October 2024
4 min read
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Chlamydia and Oral Sex: A Silent Threat
Oral sex, just like vaginal and anal sex, is a gateway to diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. A study conducted by the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control revealed that 80% of adults aged between 15-44 years of age admitted to having engaged in oral sex at least once, while 65% had multiple partners. Among teens, 45% openly admitted to having participated in oral sex at least.
These numbers signify an alarming rate of acquiring oral STDs and position individuals who have numerous sex partners at a high risk. Notably, not only are the bacteria and viruses that cause chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea transmitted through oral sex, but also the virus that causes AIDS. Still, chlamydia remains the most communicable infection through oral sex.
The sores, lesions, and breakouts caused by chlamydia usually occur in the throat, genital area, urinary tract, and rectum. Although this disease is quiet—it mostly gives a false sense of security when it is still in its early stage—it can be treated when detected early with the appropriate antibiotics.
Early signs and symptoms of chlamydia may include the following:
Abdominal cramping and bloating
A burning or painful sensation while urinating
Painful sex
Lower belly pain
Abnormal, smelly yellowish vaginal discharge
Spotting or unusual bleeding between periods
Watery or milky penile discharge, sometimes containing pus
Swollen or tender testicles
Chlamydia of the Mouth: How to Identify and Solve the Problem
Oral chlamydia is an infection of the mucous membrane lining inside the mouth and sensitive throat areas. This, in its early beginning, usually presents as a severe sore throat, which one would dismiss as some mundane infection, such as allergies or the common cold. Such an oversight already opens a way to further proliferation of the infection.
Other symptoms also include a low to mid-grade fever after the initial sore throat; purring, unrelenting cough; and swollen lymph nodes. Still, all of these symptoms are seen only in a minority of the population who has oral chlamydia, which is why a lot of times people who do not realize they have been infected can further continue the spread of the infection.
Early Detection and Testing
The NIH and CDC strongly support testing young adults who are sexually active for the slightest suspicion of any infection caused by STDs. Infections caused by STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are effectively treatable if early detection and diagnosis are performed.
Testing usually involves just a swab inside the mouth to detect the bacteria of chlamydia. The healthcare providers may also need a rectal swab based on one's recent sexual experiences. However, vaginal swabs or urine testing among women should not solely be relied upon since tests for chlamydia may not always be as effective through those means.
Convenience at-home testing kits can also be ordered, providing a private, comfortable alternative for those who would find it more preferable. Because the symptoms of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can be so similar, testing for these common infections is highly recommended. Packaging of the at-home test kits will arrive discreetly and unmarked to maintain your privacy.
Treating Oral Chlamydia
Once the disease has been diagnosed, it will be curable with the proper use of antibiotics. Most often, penicillin is prescribed, taken up to ten days. It is easily treated if caught early because the infection responds well to the medication when it is in the initial stages.
The Best Cure
Like all sexually transmitted diseases, prevention is the best defense against chlamydia. Safe sex, fewer sexual partners, and protection during oral sex will go a long way in reducing the rate of infection. Indeed, testing is highly recommended for all those who are sexually active, even when symptoms are not present.
While oral chlamydia is a prevalent problem, it is also preventable and curable. In all instances, the primary prevention of infected oral chlamydia is to build much awareness on the dangers of having unprotected oral sex, observing symptoms, and early diagnosis. Bear in mind, your health and well-being are always worthy of protection.
STDs are common diseases that can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. Most STDs present symptoms in the form of skin rashes. Understanding the type and characteristics of th
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