Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in many countries including Anguilla. Unfortunately, many individuals have this condition and do not know it until they are examined by their doctor as they might not have any signs or symptoms. Once diagnosed this infection can be successfully treated. If not treated severe complications can occur including infertility.
What is Chlamydia infection
Chlamydia trachomatis affects both men and women and occurs in all age groups, though it is most prevalent among young women. It is caused by a bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected sex (sex without a condom).
What are some signs and symptoms of chlamydia?
In many individuals there are no symptoms especially in the early stage of the disease. When signs or symptoms occur, they usually start one to two 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 trachomatis infection may include the following:
• pain when peeing
• unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or rectum (back passage)
• in women, bleeding after sex and bleeding between periods
• in men, pain and swelling in the testicles
• lower abdominal pain
• Painful sexual intercourse in women
Chlamydia trachomatis can also infect the rectum. While these infections often cause no signs or symptoms, you may experience rectal pain, discharge or bleeding.
It is also possible to acquire chlamydial eye infections (conjunctivitis) through contact with infected secretions.
How do you get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. The bacteria are usually spread through sex or contact with infected genital fluids (semen or vaginal fluid).
You can get chlamydia through:
• unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
• sharing sex toys that are not washed or covered with a new condom each time they are used
• your genitals coming into contact with your partner’s genitals – this means you can get chlamydia from someone even if there is no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation
• infected semen or vaginal fluid getting into your eye
It can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby.
Chlamydia cannot be passed on through casual contact such as kissing and hugging, or from sharing baths, towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or cutlery.
Factors that increase your risk of chlamydia trachomatis include:
• Being sexually active before age 25
• Multiple sex partners within the past year
• Not using a condom consistently
• History of prior sexually transmitted infection
Diagnosis
If you have signs and symptoms suggestive of a sexually transmitted infection have a talk with your doctor today. Test for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases can be done.
Treatment
Once your doctor has diagnosed your infection, treatment can be discussed.
Chlamydia trachomatis is treated with antibiotics.
In most cases, the infection resolves within one to two weeks. During that time, you should abstain from sex. Your sexual partner or partners also need treatment even if they have no signs or symptoms. Otherwise, the infection can be passed back and forth between sexual partners.
Complications of untreated chlamydia
Although chlamydia does not usually cause many symptoms, and can normally be treated with a short course of antibiotics, it can be serious if it is not treated early on.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and lead to long-term health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) and infertility. It can also sometimes cause reactive arthritis.
That is why it is important to get tested and treated as soon as possible if you think you might have chlamydia.
Conclusion
Chlamydia infection is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms are few in the early stages of this disorder, but tests are available to confirm the diagnosis. Early treatment can prevent complications from developing. If you are sexually active, and think you might have chlamydia infection, see your doctor today.
Ask Your Dr 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 with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
