Thousands of women may be mistaking chlamydia symptoms for period pain, according to Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite in Leicester. The doctor says menstrual cycles are not always the cause of cramps and mid-month spotting, and that the UK's most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) could be responsible.
Why chlamydia is often missed
'The frustrating thing about chlamydia is that it doesn't announce itself,' says Dr Maula. 'Patients come in describing period pain that's a bit heavier or lasts a bit longer than usual, or spotting between periods that they've just learned to live with.'
'Most of the time it's nothing sinister. But every so often, it's chlamydia, and they have no idea.' While the STI does not always show symptoms, when it does, they are typically subtle and can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection or stress. Warning signs may also come and go, making diagnosis harder.
Risks of untreated infection
'Many people assume there isn't anything to worry about if the pain or discomfort subsides after a few days, but in reality the infection is still there,' Dr Maula continues. Leaving chlamydia untreated can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is one of the leading preventable causes of infertility and a major risk factor for ectopic pregnancy.
'PID can develop silently too. Some women don't find out anything was ever wrong until years later, when they're trying to conceive and struggling,' adds the GP. However, Dr Maula stresses that most period pain is not related to an STI: 'This isn't about scaring people, rather it's about knowing when pain isn't “just” period pain.'
Symptoms and testing
Regular sexual health screening is key, as chlamydia is asymptomatic in 50% to 80% of cases. Symptoms, when they appear, tend to show from one week to a month after infection and often differ between men and women.
For women, symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after sex or between periods, a burning sensation when peeing, lower stomach pain, or pain during sex. For men, symptoms include white cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis, burning and itching around the testicles and penis, testicle swelling and pain, or a burning sensation when peeing. Chlamydia can also cause anal pain, bleeding or discharge, a sore throat, or eye redness, pain or discharge.
The NHS recommends visiting a local sexual health service for a test if you think you may have chlamydia or have had unprotected sex. The infection is easy to treat with antibiotics, and the sooner treatment begins, the easier it is to avoid additional complications.
