Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. While the symptoms of this venereal disease are usually mild, it can lead to serious complications that cause irreversible damage, including infertility . It is estimated that one in ten women aged up to 25 is infected with chlamydia, and nearly 70% of them are not aware of the infection .
How is chlamydia transmitted?
Chlamydia is transmitted through bodily fluids during vaginal , anal or oral sex, as well as by an infected mother to her child during vaginal delivery (every third newborn develops inclusion conjunctivitis , and every sixth chlamydia pneumonia). Also, contamination of fingers with genital discharge can lead to eye infections , when chlamydia conjunctivitis develops.
Risk groups are girls under the age of 25 years, while the percentage of elderly patients is halved. The frequency is associated with frequent change of sexual partners, multiple other infections, genital organs and unprotected sex .
Chlamydia infection is confirmed by laboratory testing, and it is possible to be detected from urine and the cervical smear. Sexually active girls younger than 25 years are recommended to screening for chlamydia at least once a year. The annual test is also recommended for older women with risk factors for chlamydia (a new sex partner or more), as well as all pregnant women and persons who are planning a pregnancy
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What are the symptoms of chlamydia ?
Chlamydia usually has a mild and unnoticeable symptoms, which rarely indicate the existence of the infection. In people who have pronounced symptoms, they usually appear 1-3 weeks after infection.
Symptoms that may occur in women infected with chlamydia are :
- pain during intercourse
- stinging or burning sensation when urinating
- frequent urination
- unusual vaginal discharge
- mild itching and burning of the vulva
- mild pain in the lower abdomen
- slight non-menstrual bleeding
- nausea
- fever
Symptoms of chlamydia , which can occur in men are :
- stinging or burning sensation when urinating
- frequent urination
- discharge from the penis
- itchiness and redness
- pain and swelling in the testicles
Complications caused by Chlamydia
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious reproductive and other health problems with both short- and long-term consequences. Like the disease itself, the damage caused by chlamydia can go unnoticed.
Chlamydia in women
In women, untreated chlamydial infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (in approximately 10-15 % of women). The first symptoms of this disease are pain in the lower abdomen, fever and changes in vaginal discharge. However, one should bear in mind that these symptoms can be mild in intensity or completely absent.
In addition, chlamydia can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissue which can lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy . Also, chlamydia increases the possibility of disease from HIV in exposed persons.
Chlamydia in men
In men, chlamydia usually causes non-specific urethritis (inflammation of the outer part of the urinary tract). When it is not treated promptly, chlamydia can lead to chronic infection, which causes various complications such as inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) , seminal vesicles (epididymitis) or even infertility. Men, just like women with unrecognized and untreated chlamydial genital infection represent a permanent source of infection and reservoir of disease spreading.
Rarely, chlamydia can cause arthritis accompanied by skin damage and inflammation of the eye and urethra.
Chlamydia during pregnancy
Chlamydial infection can be passed from mother to child during vaginal childbirth. In this case, chlamydial conjunctivitis and pneumonia in infants may manifest . According to some data, chlamydial infection can be linked with premature birth.
Treatment of chlamydia
During the treatment of genital chlamydia infection antibiotic therapy is applied. Tetracyclines (Doxycycline) , ciprofloxacin (Ciprobay, Ciprinol), clarithromycin (Fromilid) during 10-14 days and azitromycin (Sumamed) in a single dose of 1g (single shot) are most commonly used. During this period, seven days after completion of therapy people should abstain from sexual intercours .
Both partners should be subject of the treatment, given that women whose partners are not treated appropriately have a high risk of reinfection which increases the possibility of serious complications . Also, both partners should be subjected to re-testing three months after treatment for the initial infection .