What is Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) that is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia Trachomatis. It is the most common reported STD affecting both men and women.  It is so common because sometimes people have it unknowingly and transmit it to others and sometimes individuals are re-infected when just one partner has been treated.

Transmission

Chlamydia is transmitted

• By having unprotected sex, whether vaginal, anal or oral with an infected person.
• From a mother to a baby during vaginal delivery
• By transferring the bacteria on hands from the genitals to the eyes (rare case)

Who is at Risk

Any person who is sexually active can get Chlamydia.  The more sex partner one has, the greater the risk of contracting the disease.  Even homosexuals are at risk since they engage in anal and oral sex.

Chlamydia is commonly referred to as the “silent disease” as often times infected persons have no symptoms.  Symptoms usually appear 1-3 weeks after sexual contact

Symptoms in Women

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Burning sensation during urination and cloudy urine
• Abdominal and lower back pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding between periods or with sexual intercourse
• Swollen and painful glands at the vaginal opening
• Nausea and fever

Symptoms in Men

• Watery or slimy discharge from the penis
• Crust at the tip of the penis
• Burning sensation during urination
• Burning and itching around the opening of the penis
• Pain and swelling in the testicles

Persons who have anal sex may experience rectal pain, rectal bleeding and discharge from the rectum.  Those who engage in oral sex may have Chlamydia in their throats.

Diagnosis

Chlamydia is diagnosed by lab tests which can be performed on the urine.  A swab may be taken from the vagina by a doctor or nurse and sent to a lab for testing.  For men, a urine sample is usually taken or a swab can be collected from the opening of the penis.

Treatment

Chlamydia is a curable disease.  It is easily treated and cured by taking antibiotics.  All sex partners should be tested and treated and persons should abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment has been completed to prevent re-infection. It is extremely important that a patient returns for retesting to ensure that the disease is completely cured.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, Chlamydia can cause serious complications.

In women

• It can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can cause a woman to become infertile.
• Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) which can lead to severe pelvic pain and backache.

In men

• Infertility
• Arthritis
• Inflammation of the urethra which can lead to kidney problems

Prevention

• Get tested annually as long as you are sexually active
• Practice sate sex by using latex condoms
• Encourage new partners to get tested before any sexual activity
• The best option is to abstain from having sex.