Chlamydia infection is the most common STI or sexually transmitted infection in the world usually caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. These bacteria can affect the urethra, cervix or the rectum. This infection mostly affects the genitals and the eyes. There are several ways how the Chlamydia infection gets spread. It is a sexually transmitted infection and therefore it can be passed from one person to another by vaginal intercourse and in some cases by anal or oral sex. There have also been cases where this infection has been passed from an infected mother to the baby during birth. It is important to know that this infection can’t be passed by shaking hands, kissing, hugging or sitting on public toilets.
Chlamydia Symptoms
We have mentioned before that Chlamydia affects the genitals and in some cases the eyes. It is interesting that more than half of the infected men and women don’t experience any symptoms, because of that the women who don’t feel the symptoms have the chance to develop PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. This disease is a term for an infection of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes, and can cause scars in the reproductive organs and lead to some other health complications. And in men who don’t experience the Chlamydia signs and symptoms the infection can spread to the testicles and cause epididymitis and in some severe cases even sterility (however, this has not be proven).
Before, Chlamydia conjunctivitis or trachoma was the most important cause of blindness in the world. This type of infection is easily spread from eye to eye by fingers, shared towels or clothes, coughing and sneezing and eye-seeking flies. Chlamydia eye infection can also develop in babies through birth.
Chlamydia Symptoms in Men
Safe sex
The Chlamydia symptoms in men are usually manifested as symptoms of infection of the urethra and they can be seen in around 50% of the infected men. If the symptoms appear, it is usually 7 to 14 days after the infection, but they may also appear after a month, and then they may disappear. It is important to know that even the symptoms are no longer present; the infected person can still transmit Chlamydia to other people. Symptoms that may occur include:
- a pain or burning sensation when the man is urinating
- an unusual, thick white or watery discharge from the penis
- swollen or tender testicles usually followed by pain and heavy feeling
- pain, swelling or redness around the scrotum
- fever
Chlamydia Symptoms in Women
If we speak about the Chlamydia symptoms in women we have to mention that the infection usually starts in the cervix. However, almost 80% of the infected women don’t experience any symptoms. When the symptoms are present they are the following:
- a white, clear or gray vaginal discharge
- painful urination
- lower back or abdominal pain
- bleeding between menstrual periods
- pain and itching of the vulva or vagina
- pain during sexual intercourse
The symptoms of Chlamydia have to be treated because if Chlamydia is not treated it will stay in the body. It may also spread to the fallopian tubes via the uterus and cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) or Salpingitis which may further cause some specific health problems that may prevent the woman to get pregnant, or even cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
If by any chance there is a Chlamydia infection during pregnancy it may cause premature delivery or if the baby gets born it may be infected with Chlamydia at birth. Pregnant women infected with Chlamydia are usually treated with specific antibiotics which will not cause damage to the fetus. For that reason if you have Chlamydia infection and are pregnant at the same time, make sure your doctor is aware of that, so he or she could prescribe you the right antibiotics.
Diagnosis of Chlamydia Infection
There are several simple lab tests which are used to diagnose Chlamydia. Some of these Chlamydia tests can be carried out on urine, while other tests usually require for the doctor to collect a specimen from the urethra in men or the cervix in women. The so called “swab test” is the best way to diagnose Chlamydia. If there is a chance for the infection to occur in the throat or the rectum then swabs can be taken from there. If men don’t experience any symptoms of Chlamydia, but they still suspect having it then a urine test can be. The urine test is much less sensitive than the swab test and it is not recommended for women.
Chlamydia Prevention
As with any other sexually transmitted infections or diseases the only sure way is to have steady monogamous relationship or avoid sex. All the other methods still carry a risk of being infected but there are some that greatly increase the chance to prevent Chlamydia infection. One of the methods which provide a high level of protection is using male latex condoms but they have to be used correctly and always.
Regular STD check-ups, and they include Chlamydia testing as well should be performed whenever a person has intercourse with a new partner, if some of the symptoms are being noticed or when a person finds out that their partner has Chlamydia or experiences the symptoms.
You always have to keep in mind that the majority of people infected with Chlamydia are not aware that they are infected and the can easily spread the infection. So safe sex and regular STD check-ups are considered to be the most efficient way of protection.