Chlamydia

What is chlamydia ?

Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacterium that can cause a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydia infection is very common among young adults and teenagers. However, 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.

Causes of chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by the infection of microorganisms Chlamydia trachomatis. It is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact and sexual activities. In case of pregnant patient, it is easily transmitted by mother to newborn baby. Serious eye infection and pneumonia can be developed.

Sings and Symptoms of chlamydia

About 80% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms of infection.

In women symptoms of chlamydia may include:

• One study found that 3% of a sample of young adults 18-35 years had untreated chlamydia.)
• Bleeding after sexual relations or between menstrual periods.
• Lower abdominal pain and burning pain during urination.
• Discharge from the vagina.

In men symptoms of chlamydia may include:

• Discharge from the penis.
• Pain, burning during urination.
• Inflammation or infection of a duct in the testicles.

Diagnosis of chlamydia

A variety of laboratory tests can be used to diagnose chlamydia infection. Tests are done with either a urine sample or a sample obtained from a woman's cervix or a man's urethra, using a cotton swab. Physical examination and family history will be conducted by the health care provider.

Treatment of chlamydia

Antibiotics are used to treat and cure of chlamydia. A single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline are the most commonly used treatments. All sex partners should also be treated to avoid re-infection. You should not have sex until you and your sex partner(s) have finished treatment. There are safe antibiotics to cure chlamydia during pregnancy.

Prevention Tips of chlamydia

• Use latex condoms when having sexual intercourse.
• Avoid sexual contact with high-risk partners.
• Treat infected sexual partners or have them tested before having sexual relations. Up to one-fourth of sexual partners will be re-infected because the partner wasn't treated.
• You don't have multiple partners.
• Women should avoid douching.