How long does it take for chlamydia to cause permanent damage?

Question

I was just diagnosed with chlamydia (I'm really embarassed) and I don't know how long I've had it. So I was wondering if I could have serious damage done and how do I find out?

Answer 1

There's no need to be embarassed. You got during unprotected sex from a partner who didn't know they were carrying the disease.

Males can be asymptomatic carriers and give it to everyone with whom they have sex. Yes, you could have experienced permanent damage already. The recommendations of a doctor visit for a hysterosalpingogram (x-ray with dye) or hysteroscopy, should you eventually suffer infertility, are warranted. Unless you are trying to get pregnant now, don't worry about it now. The damage done now will still be there later. Tubes don't "unscar" themselves. Tell all your partners that you have been infected so they can be treated also. And for goodness sake, don't have unprotected sex unless you both have been tested and are negative for STDs.

Answer 2

Chamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections at this time. Although there is no definate time course this infection takes to progress. However it is more chronic infections that lead to fallopian tube scarring and the subsequent infertility. Your best way of finding out the extent of damage is by visiting your gynaecologist and having her perform laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. Laparoscopy is a procedure where your doctor will insert a small scope into your abdomen and visualise your reproductive tract. Hysteroscopy literally means she will put a scope in your uterus and look for scarring, and perhaps inject a dye and take x-rays. If the dye flows properly through the entire tract, there is no scarring and basically no damage. If there is blockage, the site can be determined and dealt with as much as possible.

Answer 3

Why don't you try to trace it back to whoever you got it from.

Thats a good idea anyway, since you should inform people that you've been with recently that you have it. Once you find out who gave it to you you may be able to figure out how long you've had it.