Private MD News

Officials urge women to consider STD testing

Category: Chlamydia

Many people are familiar with the dangers of HIV and AIDS, but sometimes more common STDs fly under the radar, avoiding the attention of most people. This is often the case with chlamydia.

Despite being the most prevalent STD in the U.S., many people are still unfamiliar with the dangers of chlamydia, Brooks County nurse manager Norma Johnson told Georgia news station WALB. Part of the reason why many people do not pay attention to the disease is that it presents few symptoms initially.

The fact that people cannot tell they have a problem prevents individuals from seeking STD testing, Johnson told the news source. However, even though chlamydia presents few initial symptoms, it can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated.

Public health officials across Georgia are currently urging all sexually active women to seek STD testing to ensure they do not have the condition.

Only about 30 percent of women who have chlamydia present symptoms, according to the National Library of Medicine. Symptoms may include burning during urination or pain during intercourse.