Overview/Introduction
CHLAMYDIA is a super common sexually transmitted infection(STIs). It is transmitted by a bacterial micro-organism. This condition can be treated by antibiotics. Untreated chlamydia can cause serious complications.
Key Facts & Statistics
What is the statistical information that surrounds Chlamydia?
- About 3 million Americans contract Chlamydia every year.
- Most commonly affected age group is 14-24 years old, who are beginning to be sexually active.
- Among persons with chlamydia, about 75% of females and half of all males do not show symptoms.
Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for chlamydia?
In women:
- Age. Being under 25 years of age.
- Pregnancy.
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Previous chlamydia infections.
In men:
- Homosexuality.
- Living in environments where chlamydia infections are frequent. For example correctional centers.
Cause
What is the cause of chlamydia?
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterial micro-organism (Chlamydia trachomatis) that is spread through sexual contact, especially when vaginal fluid or semen that contains the bacteria responsible for the specific infection is passed from infected to uninfected person.
Here, sexual contact refers to penetrative and non-penetrative forms.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of chlamydia?
In females:
- Bleeding in between the periods.
- Painful periods.
- Painful intercourse(dyspareunia)
- White or yellow discharge that may be smelly.
- Pus in urine(pyuria).
- Dull pain in the lower abdominal region.
- Itching in and around the vagina.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Painful or burning sensation when passing urine(dysuria).
In males:
- The urethra is most often infected. Chlamydia bacteria in the urethra causes symptoms that are similar to those of non-gonococcal urethritis.
- Discharge from penis that is watery or mucus-like.
- Painful or burning sensation when passing urine.
Diagnostic Procedures & Tests
How is chlamydia infection diagnosed?
- Patient history-taking(sexual history).
- Urine test. Urine sample in a lab checks for bacteria responsible for the infection.
- Swab. Collect a sample from the cervix, anus, vagina or throat for lab testing.
- Nucleic acid amplification test(NAAT) conducted using a sample obtained from swab or urine.
Treatment and Management
Can chlamydia be cured?
Yes! Chlamydia can be treated and cured.
How is chlamydia treated?
- With proper use of antibiotics, chlamydia can be cleared up within 1 or 2 weeks.
- Doxycycline taken over the course of 7 days.
- Azithromycin taken as a single dose(recommended as a first choice in pregnancy).
- The test may remain positive for 1 month post-treatment.
- Take medications as prescribed.
- Avoid having unprotected sex during treatment lest you get re-infected.
Complications
What are the complications of untreated chlamydia?
In women, untreated chlamydia can cause:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease(PID). It can occur due to damage to reproductive organs caused by untreated chlamydia infection.
- Infertility. Untreated chlamydia infection can permanently damage the oviducts, uterus and birth canal, leading to infertility.
- Pregnancy complications. Apart from pre-term delivery, another complication is that babies whose mothers have passed chlamydia to them during birth can suffer from pneumonia or have conjuctivitis that can make them go blind if the conjuctivitis is not treated.
In men, untreated chlamydia can cause:
- Epididymitis.
- Reduced fertility.
In both sexes, untreated chlamydia can pass through the bloodstream causing increased chances of;
- Contracting Human Immuno-deficiency Virus(HIV) infection.
- Developing reactive arthritis.
Prevention
How do we prevent chlamydia?
- Abstinence. Abstain from all forms of sexual activities.
- Use condoms during intercourse. Use appropriately.
- Have sex with only one uninfected partner.
- Regular screening tests for sexually active people.