Health Conditions

Potential Complications in Women:

2. Infertility, or the inability to conceive.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection in the female reproductive organs (fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries). Normally, the cervix prevents bacteria that normally live in the vagina from migrating into the reproductive organs; however, if the cervix becomes infected with unfamiliar bacteria such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, the unfamiliar bacteria can travel up through to other organs. The reproductive organs can then become infected and inflamed, which can potentially lead to infertility. The symptoms of PID may differ among women, and some women may not experience symptoms. Symptoms of PID include the following:

• Stomach ache, or dull pains in the stomach
• Tenderness of the stomach area
• Vaginal discharge (yellow or green in color that may have an unusual odor)
• Irregular menstruation (extra long periods, spotting or cramps throughout menstrual cycles)
• Chills
• High fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain during sexual intercourse

4. Ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that takes place outside of the uterus, where pregnancy normally takes place. The most common site of an ectopic pregnancy is in one of the fallopian tubes; however, the pregnancy can develop in the ovary, abdominal cavity or cervix. Ectopic pregnancies are usually diagnosed within the first 2 months of pregnancy, possibly before a woman realizes that she is pregnant. The symptoms may be mild such as a missed period, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis, or there could be symptoms similar to pregnancy such as breast tenderness or morning sickness. More serious and life-threatening symptoms are associated with a rupture of an ectopic pregnancy and may include a sudden increase in pain in the abdomen or pelvic area, pale skin, fast heart rate, and dizziness with possible fainting.

If you notice that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. Ectopic pregnancies will eventually rupture and can be life threatening.

5. Conjunctivitis is another complication of chlamydia and gonorrhea. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining of the eye. When this occurs, the eye becomes red, swollen, and produces a watery or pus-like discharge. It is not considered to sight-threatening condition. It can become chronic, although most cases resolve spontaneously after a few months if not treated.

Potential Complications in Men:

1. Epididymitis, or inflammation of the epididymides. The epididymides are the tubes that are connected to the testes. When sperm is released from the testes, sperm pass through the epididymides into the vas deferens to urethra upon ejaculation. The symptoms of epididymitis are pain, swelling, and redness of the scrotum.

2. Infertility, or the inability to produce conception.

3. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the lining of the eye. The eye becomes red, swollen, and produces a watery or pus containing discharge. It is not considered a sight-threatening condition. It can be chronic, but most cases resolve spontaneously after a few months.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.