Women are being warned over an STI side-effect that could lead to complications with fertility.
If left untreated, it can result into dangerous conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo begins to develop outside the womb.
Dr Earim Chaudry, former GP and current Medical Director of a health publication, has warned that women "must know" about the symptoms of the condition that causes this, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
PID is an infection that affects the womb, fallopian tubes, and ovaries of women which can lead to scarring and disfiguration - ultimately making it hard or impossible to get pregnant or carry a baby to term.
"If left untreated, around 10-15 per cent of women with chlamydia will develop PID [which] can lead to infertility and permanent damage of reproductive organs," Dr Chaudry added.
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If caught early, PID can be treated with a simple two-week course of antibiotics, so knowing the symptoms are essential.
In fact, The Mirror 's resident health expert has pointed out that knowing to go to the GP if you have these symptoms could save you from the worst effects of "appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy and Crohn’s disease."
What are the symptoms of PID?
Left untreated, PID can have a disastrous effect on your reproductive system but can easily be treated by a course of antibiotics if caught early.
The most commonly reported symptoms are:
- Pain in the lower abdomen (typically on the right side)
- Heavy and/or painful periods
- Pain or discomfort when urinating or having sex
- Unusual or smelly discharge, sometimes yellow or green
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
A few people become very ill with:
- Severe stomach pain
- A high temperature
- Feeling and being sick
Dr Miriam Stoppard said: "Pelvic inflammatory disease is always in the frame when a woman is complaining of sudden pain in the lower right side of the abdomen.
"In addition to the pain there’s fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, and possibly a previous sexually transmitted infection.
"The picture may be difficult to distinguish from an abscess of the fallopian tubes with which there’s always the danger of peritonitis – and even more serious, sepsis (blood poisoning). Unless treated promptly there’s always the possibility of infertility."
The NHS advice does not equivocate, saying: "It's important to visit a GP or a sexual health clinic if you experience any symptoms of PID.
"If you have severe pain, you should seek urgent medical attention from your GP or local A&E department.
"Delaying treatment for PID or having repeated episodes of PID can increase your risk of serious and long-term complications."
What are the causes of PID?
One of the most frequent causes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an STI, though many other vaginal bacterial infections can also cause the condition.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the most common STIs among women and are likely to be carried unnoticed as they rarely present obvious symptoms, making them a major cause of the illness.
The risk of developing PID can be reduced by wearing a condom with a new sexual partner, at least until they have had a sexual health check-up.
On prevention, the NHS says: "Chlamydia is very common in young men and most do not have any symptoms.
"If you're worried you may have an STI, visit your local genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic for advice."
