Chlamydia

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI), which is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis. Chlamydia infection is very common among young adults and teenagers. Many people do not know that they have Chlamydia because although they are infected they may not have any symptoms. About 75% of infected women and half of infected men have no symptoms of Chlamydia. This disease can cause serious complications that cause irreversible damage such as damaging women’s reproductive organs, and infertility.

In men Chlamydia can cause discharge from the penis of an infected men.

How is Chlamydia transmitted?

Sexually active women and men can get Chlamydia through sexual contact with an infected person. Chlamydia can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth. Babies born to infected mothers can get pneumonia or infections in their eyes, also called conjunctivitis. Because of the fact that there are often no symptoms, people who are infected may unknowingly pass Chlamydia to their sex partners.

The greater the number of sex partner, the greater the risk of infection. Chlamydia is easily confused with gonorrhea, another STD. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia have similar symptoms and can have similar complications if not treated, but the two STDs have different have different treatments.

What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?

Chlamydia bacteria live in vaginal fluid and in semen. It is sometimes called the “silent” disease because you can have it and don’t know it. Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after being infected. Those who do have symptoms may have abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) from the vagina or penis or experience pain while urinating. The infection may move inside your body if it is not treated. Bacteria can infect the cervix, fallopian tubes, and urine canal in women, where they can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). In men the bacteria can cause epidydimitis, which is inflammation of the reproductive area near the testicles.

Men or women who have receptive and intercourse may acquire Chlamydia infection in the rectum, which can cause rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding. Chlamydia can also be found in the throat of women and men having oral sex with an infected person.

How can Chlamydia be Prevented?

The surest way to avoid transmission of STIs is to not have sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is not infected. Another way to reduce chances of getting Chlamydia or giving it to someone else is by using a male latex condoms correctly every time you have sexual intercourse. Health experts recommend Chlamydia screening annually for all sexually active women 25 years of age or younger. Also it’s recommended that older women with risk factors for Chlamydia (a new sex partner or many sex partners) to get an annual screening.

Pregnant women should also have a screening test for Chlamydia.

How is Chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia can be easily treated and cured with antibiotics. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline (twice daily) are the most commonly used treatment. Or a health care provider might prescribe other types of prescription such as erythromycin or ofloxacin for pregnant women or sometimes with amoxicillin. HIV-postive persons with Chlamydia should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative. All sex partners should be evaluated, tested, and treated. Persons with Chlamydia should abstain from sexual