Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be easily cured. It affects individuals in Anguilla with increasing frequency. If left untreated, chlamydia can result in many complications, some of which can be very serious.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection, but many individuals might have this condition and do not know it. You may not know you have chlamydia because many people never develop the signs or symptoms, such as genital pain and discharge from the vagina or penis. Only by visiting a doctor who carries out a complete physical exam and tests might it be detected.
Chlamydia affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, though it is most prevalent among young women.
Chlamydia is caused by bacteria and is most commonly spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
What are some signs and symptoms of chlamydia?
In the very early stage of chlamydia infection there might be few or no signs and symptoms. When signs or symptoms occur, they usually start one to three weeks after exposure to chlamydia. Even when signs and symptoms occur, they are often mild and passing, making them easy to overlook.
Signs and symptoms of chlamydia infection may include the following:
• Vaginal discharge in females
• Painful sexual intercourse in women
• Discharge from the penis in men
• Painful urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods and after sex in women
You should see your doctor if you have any of the above signs and symptoms and also see your doctor if your sexual partner reveals that he or she has chlamydia.
Making the diagnosis
Your doctor would take a detailed clinical history and physical examination and then arrange for a variety of tests.
Testing for chlamydia is very simple. Ask your doctor of how you can be tested. If you have chlamydia you should also be tested for other sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment
Once diagnosed in its early stages chlamydia, can be successfully treated. A number of antibiotics are available for treatment. Partners should also be treated even if they do not have any symptoms.
Complications
If chlamydia infection is not treated successfully it can lead to serious complications. In females, pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) can occur which can lead to infertility.
In men, epididymitis (infection near the testicles) can occur and lead to severe pain and swelling in the scrotum. Prostatitis (infection of the prostate gland) can also occur.
Infections in newborns. The chlamydia infection can pass from the vaginal canal to your child during delivery, causing pneumonia or a serious eye infection.
Reactive arthritis. People who have chlamydia are at higher risk of developing reactive arthritis, (also known as Reiter’s syndrome). This condition typically affects the joints, eyes and urethra — the tube that carries urine from your bladder to outside of your body.
Can chlamydia infection be prevented?
The surest way to prevent a chlamydia infection is to abstain from sexual activities. If you are sexually active the following might prove beneficial.
• Use condoms. Use a male latex condom or a female polyurethane condom during each sexual contact. Condoms used properly during every sexual encounter reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of infection.
• Limit your number of sex partners. Having multiple sex partners puts you at a high risk of contracting chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Get regular screenings. If you are sexually active, particularly if you have multiple partners, talk with your doctor about how often you should be screened for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
• Avoid douching. Women should not douche because it decreases the number of good bacteria present in the vagina, which may increase the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Chlamydia infection is a very common sexually infection affecting individuals here in Anguilla. This disease can affect anyone but is more common in young sexually active individuals. In the early stages symptoms might be few. If you have signs and symptoms suggestive of chlamydia infection you should see your doctor. Treatment is possible.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
