Chlamydia

Many people with chlamydia do not experience symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually appear within days to 3 weeks, but can take several months. Symptoms may include:

• In women:
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Lower abdominal pain
• In men:
  • Discharge from the penis
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
  • Pain during ejaculation
• In both:
  • Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding if the infection is in the rectum
  • Eye infection (conjunctivitis) if it spreads to the eyes through contact

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including:

• In women:
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This can cause chronic pelvic pain, damage to the fallopian tubes, and lead to infertility. PID can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, which can be life-threatening.
  • Infertility: Untreated chlamydia can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, leading to difficulties in becoming pregnant.
  • Chronic Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain in the pelvic area due to damage and inflammation caused by the infection.
• In men:
  • Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm from the testicles, which can cause pain, fever, and, in severe cases, infertility.
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and sexual dysfunction.
• In both:
  • Reiter's Syndrome: A type of reactive arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, and urethra, causing pain and swelling.
  • Increased Risk of Other STIs: Having chlamydia can increase the risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Chlamydia is diagnosed through:

• Urine Test: Testing a urine sample for the bacteria.
• Swab Test: Taking a sample from the cervix, urethra, throat, or rectum and analyzing it in a lab.

Chlamydia is usually treated with antibiotics. The most common treatments include:

• Antibiotics:
  • Azithromycin: Typically given as a single, large dose.
  • Doxycycline: Usually taken twice a day for seven days.
• Follow-up Care: It’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms disappear. Avoid sexual activity until the infection is fully cleared, usually after one week of treatment. Follow-up testing may be recommended to ensure the infection is gone.
• Treatment for Partners: Sexual partners should also be tested and treated to prevent re-infection.

Chlamydia can be prevented by using condoms during sexual activity, having regular STI screenings, and maintaining a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.