Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the STI or sexually transmitted infection which occurs due to a bacterium by name Chlamydia trachomatis.

There are no noticeable symptoms associated with this infection in men as well as women. So in majority of the cases chlamydia remains undiagnosed. This can lead to many complications. But treatment is available if the condition is diagnosed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Chlamydia are usually not noticeable. So this is often known as silent disease.

Women

The genital chlamydia does not give any symptoms. But some of the non-specific symptoms are;

• change in the vaginal discharge
• cystitis
• a mild pain in the lower abdomen

One can visit the gynaecologist to confirm the presence of chlamydia. They can

Chlamydia infection can result in the following conditions, if it is not treated.

• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain in between sexual intercourse, Or even
• Bleeding in between menstrual cycles.

The infection may even spread to the womb causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. This in turn can lead to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or even infertility.

Men

Men suffering from chlamydia will experience urethral discharge that comes form his penis. He may also have urethritis as well as epididymitis.

A mild irritation will be experienced for two to three days at the tip of the penis. But even after the irritation disappears, the chlamydia will still be present. In such cases, the infection will be passed on to the sexual partner. There are chances of the testicles becoming swollen and inflamed.

Chlamydia can also result in Reiters syndrome affecting the joints and eyes. This can also result in fertility problems. Majority of the men suffering from chlamydia have epididymtis, which means impaired fertility.

Causes

Chlamydia is a STI, which passes on from one person to another via intimate sexual contact. Chlamydia can develop in a person if:

• the person had vaginal sex in an unprotected way
• the person had anal sex in an unprotected way
• the person had oral sex in an unprotected way
• the person had sexual intercourse with a partner who has already been infected with chlamydia

Chlamydia can also be transferred by the usage of same toilet seat which is used by an infected person.

A baby gets chlamydia infection from its mother during its birth. The infection will develop after two weeks of its birth. This can cause severe complications like pneumonia.

Treatment

Antibiotics will help in the treatment of chlamydia. It can be a single dosage for one week or for a longer period of two weeks.

The most popularly used antibiotics in the treatment of Chlamydia are:

Azithromycin which will be administered for one week.
or
Doxycycline, also known as vibramycin, which will be advised for two weeks. The entire tablets must be used. Otherwise, the chances that the infection will recur are very high.

One must consult with a doctor before using the antibiotics.

The side effects of using antibiotics are:

• stomach ache
• upsetting of the stomach
• a feeling of being sick
• diarrhoea.

The sexual partners should get a test done to confirm that the infection has not recurred in them.