Amongst the few mathematical modelling studies with explicit descriptions of progression from chlamydia infection to PID, it has been proposed that PID develops in the first half of a chlamydia infection, in the second half, or can occur at any time during a chlamydia infection [13].
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
But if they're not treated there's a risk the bacteria could travel into the female reproductive organs. If you have chlamydia and it's left untreated, it may develop into PID within a year.
Untreated, about 10-15% of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. PID and “silent” infection in the upper genital tract may cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues, which can lead to infertility.
It can take from weeks to two years. Chlamydia can lead to infertility in women due to the amount of scarring it causes to their internal reproductive organs. If you have had unprotected sex and not had a chlamydia test, you should get tested before trying to start a family.
Late-stage chlamydia refers to an infection that has spread to other parts of the body. For example, it may have spread to the cervix (cervicitis), testicular tubes (epididymitis), eyes (conjunctivitis), or throat (pharyngitis), causing inflammation and pain.
Many types of bacteria can cause PID. The bacteria found in two common sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea and chlamydia) are the most frequent causes. PID often develops from 2 days to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria, but it may take months to develop.
The estimated mean duration of untreated asymptomatic infection is more than one year in women [6,7]. Early detection and treatment of chlamydia through screening has been proposed as a strategy to prevent PID and subsequent reproductive tract morbidity in sexually active young women [8].
For women, one of the most serious complications from untreated chlamydia is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 10–20% of women with untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea infections may develop PID.
Being tested means that you can be treated, and the proper treatment will help clear up a chlamydial infection in a matter of weeks. On the other hand, if you don't get tested or don't see a healthcare provider for treatment, chlamydia can live in the body for weeks, months, or even years without being detected.
After three episodes of PID, the infertility rate reaches 50%. PID also increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy, in which the fertilized egg gets trapped in the tube and begins to grow there. Without treatment, the tube may burst, causing internal bleeding and possibly death.
Swabs are usually taken from the inside of your vagina and cervix. These are sent to a laboratory to look for signs of a bacterial infection and identify the bacteria responsible. A positive test for chlamydia, gonorrhoea or mycoplasma genitalium supports the diagnosis of PID.
However, if chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause permanent damage. Your risk of getting other STIs, like gonorrhea or HIV, increases. In males, untreated chlamydia can lead to sterility (inability to make sperm).
If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to chronic pain and infertility. In men, untreated chlamydia can cause pain and swelling in one or both testicles. If detected early, chlamydia may be treated with a single dose of antibiotics.
What is PID? Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of a woman's reproductive organs. It is a complication often caused by some STDs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause PID.
When signs and symptoms of PID are present, they most often include: Pain — ranging from mild to severe — in your lower abdomen and pelvis. Unusual or heavy vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odor. Unusual bleeding from the vagina, especially during or after sex, or between periods.
Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
pain around the pelvis or lower tummy. discomfort or pain during sex that's felt deep inside the pelvis. pain when peeing. bleeding between periods and after sex.
Symptoms might be mild or unnoticeable. But symptoms of PID can also start suddenly and quickly. They can include: Pain or tenderness in the stomach or lower abdomen (belly), the most common symptom.
The majority of people who have chlamydia aren't aware of any signs or symptoms, even after several months or years with infection. Nonetheless the impact of untreated chlamydia can be serious for women, causing significant damage to the reproductive organs.
Increased risk of fertility issues
Chlamydia can eventually cause excessive damage and scarring to the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or testicles, all of which can contribute to a higher risk of infertility.
It's not a big deal - it's the most common sexually transmitted infection you can pick up. 80 per cent of people who have chlamydia don't have any symptoms. The doctor will give you one dose of antibiotics and boom, you're cured.
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection (like strep throat or an ear infection), which means that once you've been treated and tested negative for it (to make sure the antibiotics worked), it's gone.
Chlamydia can lie dormant for months or years and it is often detected through screening and routine sexual health testing. If symptoms do develop, it usually takes 1-3 weeks after exposure to notice signs.
2 The pain can feel like dull pressure or a more intense cramping-type pain. In chronic PID, the pain might be mild but is present all the time. The cramping during your menstrual cycle might also be more intense, even so much that it interferes with your day-to-day life.
On its own, the disease doesn't cause infertility, however 40% of women with chlamydia develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID affects the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, often leading the woman to become infertile.