What is Chlamydia? Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

A frequent sexually transmitted infection that can infect both men and women is chlamydia. It may permanently harm a woman’s ability to procreate. Getting pregnant later on may become challenging or impossible as a result. Early-stage chlamydia patients frequently don’t exhibit any symptoms. Chlamydia can lead to major difficulties if left untreated, so it’s critical to get screened on a regular basis and discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.

Causes

Chlamydia is brought on by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. Oral, anal, and vaginal sex are the main ways that the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria is transmitted. Additionally, chlamydia can be transferred from pregnant women to their unborn child after childbirth.

Symptoms

Many individuals with chlamydia only have minor or no symptoms at all. If you have chlamydia, you cannot get symptoms for up to three weeks after having sex with someone who has the infection.

Typical symptoms of chlamydia in females include:

• Bleeding during or after menstruation
• Altered vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal ache or discomfort
• Burning when urinating

Typical symptoms in men include:

• Burning when peeing
• Penile discharge
• Testicular soreness or discomfort

Additionally, unprotected sexual contact can cause chlamydia in other body parts, such as the eyes, throat, and anus. A few symptoms are:

• Anus: Unease and release
• Throat: Typically, there are no symptoms
• Eyes: Pain, discharge, and redness

Complications

You may have a number of health issues if you choose not to receive treatment for chlamydia:

Females can have the following complications arising from a chlamydia infection:

• Chlamydia may cause PID, which stands for pelvic inflammatory disorder. Fever and pelvic pain are symptoms of PID, an infection of the fallopian tubes and uterus affecting females. The cervix, ovaries, and uterus can all sustain harm from PID.
• Chlamydia can also lead to ectopic pregnancy. This happens when an implanted, fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. To avoid potentially fatal consequences like a burst tube, the pregnancy must be terminated.
• Chlamydia infections can induce scarring and blockage in the fallopian tubes, which can render women infertile, even in cases where there are no symptoms or signs.

Males can end up having the following complications because of a chlamydia infection:

• A chlamydia infection can cause inflammation near the testicles. Fever, scrotal discomfort, and swelling can all be symptoms of the infection.
• The chlamydia infection can occasionally spread to the prostate gland. Prostatitis can result in lower back pain, difficulty in urination, fever, chills, and pain during or after sex.

Even newborns can be affected by chlamydia infection. During birth, your kid may get pneumonia or a dangerous eye infection as a result of the chlamydia infection that was transferred from the vagina.

Reactive arthritis, sometimes referred to as Reiter syndrome, is more common in people with Chlamydia trachomatis. Usually, the urethra as well as the joints and eyes are affected.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for chlamydia infection include having a sexual partner who is having intercourse with other people and not consistently using barrier techniques like condoms with new partners. If there is a history of chlamydia or other STIs, the risk of contracting the infection increases.

Prevention

Using a condom during sexual activity is the most reliable strategy for a person who is sexually active to prevent acquiring chlamydia. People can prevent infections, unplanned pregnancies, and other issues by following these guidelines.

• With each new sexual partner, it is advised to use a condom.
• Obtain routine STI testing when dating new people.
• Wait to engage in oral sex until you and your new partner have undergone STI screenings, or use protection during oral sex.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose chlamydia using a few different tests. Most likely, a swab will be used to collect a sample, which will come from the cervix in women and the urethra in men. For analysis, it is sent to a lab. A urine sample may also be tested for bacteria.

Can Chlamydia be Treated?

Yes. Chlamydia can be cured. Antibiotics can be used by doctors to treat it because it is a bacterial illness. Your doctor will likely prescribe oral antibiotics if you have chlamydia. In order to stop reinfection and the disease from spreading further, they will also advise that you and your partner(s) seek treatment.

Anybody can contract chlamydia. People may not be aware that they have it because it frequently doesn’t cause symptoms. The treatment is antibiotics. However, chlamydia can result in major health issues if left untreated. The best defense against chlamydia is the proper and continuous use of condoms during sexual activity.

Frequently Asked Questions