Psychosomatics of chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common infection passed on during intimacy, and it is treated with antibiotics. According to MedlinePlus it often shows no signs. You are not to blame, but testing and treatment matter: untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Book a gynecologist. The Ladder method helps you notice shame and fear, and it does not replace a doctor.
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When to see a doctor
A gynecologist or a dermatovenerologist (a sexual health clinic in other countries). They will take a swab or urine test, prescribe treatment and explain how to get a partner tested (NHS). Come if you have symptoms, after sex without a condom, or when planning a pregnancy.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method chlamydia is not explained by feelings, behavior or anyone's fault. It is an infection, and it is not a punishment. A doctor and treatment come first, and the questions to yourself go alongside, not instead.
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Most often after such a result come shame, fear of judgment and mistrust of a partner or yourself. The method suggests noticing these feelings: with whom is it safe to talk about the body and boundaries. This is an image, not a cause of the infection, and it does not replace treatment.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps I am ashamed and I am afraid I will be judged. You can work through them at your own pace, after seeing a doctor.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- Most often none
- Unusual discharge, sometimes with a smell
- Burning when urinating
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during sex
What medicine knows
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common infections passed on during intimacy: through vaginal, oral or anal sex without a condom. Young people get it more often, especially young women. Anyone can catch it, and it is not about reputation (NHS, MedlinePlus).
Most people have no symptoms and can pass the infection on without knowing. If there are signs, in women they are unusual discharge, bleeding after sex or between periods, burning when urinating and lower abdominal pain. Symptoms can appear a week or even several months after infection (NHS).
The test is a swab or a urine sample, and women sometimes take the swab themselves. It is treated with antibiotics, usually one dose or a course of 7 or 14 days. Partners need testing too, and during treatment it is best to avoid sex until a doctor confirms the infection is gone (NHS).
If untreated, the infection can move higher and cause inflammation of the womb, tubes and ovaries. This can lead to infertility or an ectopic pregnancy. During pregnancy chlamydia can pass to the baby at birth, so testing in pregnancy is routine (NHS, MedlinePlus).
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Frequently asked questions
Why is chlamydia often not felt?
According to the NHS and MedlinePlus, most people have no symptoms, but the infection can still be passed on. That is why testing is useful after sex without a condom and with a new partner.
How is chlamydia treated?
With antibiotics, which can be one dose or tablets for 7 or 14 days. Partners need testing too, and until treatment is finished it is best to avoid sex (NHS).
Can I blame myself or my partner?
No. Chlamydia is very common and there is no one to blame. In the Ladder method this is a reason to notice shame and fear, and it does not replace treatment.
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Answers to common questions
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.