Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Anguilla. Although this infection can occur in all ages it is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. Fortunately, if diagnosed in its early stages it can be successfully treated with appropriate medications. If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems.
What is Chlamydia infection?
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria-Chlamydia trachomatis. This infection is easily spread because it often causes no symptoms. That means you can pass Chlamydia to sexual partners without knowing it. In fact, about 75% of infections in women and 50% in men have no symptoms. Chlamydia infection can cause cervicitis in women and urethritis and proctitis in both men and women. Left untreated it can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system.
What are some symptoms of Chlamydia infection?
Early-stage Chlamydia trachomatis infections often cause few or no signs and symptoms. Even when signs and symptoms occur, they are often mild, making them easy to overlook. Some individuals might have this infection and just ignore the symptoms as they are often very mild in nature.
Signs and symptoms of Chlamydia trachomatis infection can include the following:
• Vaginal discharge in women
• Discharge from the penis in men
• Painful sexual intercourse in women
• Bleeding between periods and after sex in women
• Testicular pain in men
• Painful urination (burning when peeing)
Chlamydia trachomatis can also infect the rectum, either with no signs or symptoms – or with rectal pain, discharge or bleeding. You also can get chlamydial eye infections (conjunctivitis) through contact with infected body fluids.
If you think you are at risk of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), or have any symptoms of Chlamydia, visit your doctor to get examined and be tested.
Is Chlamydia serious?
If Chlamydia is diagnosed early, and treated, many serious complications can be prevented. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body and lead to long-term health problems especially in women.
In women, untreated Chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
In men, in rare cases, Chlamydia can spread to the testicles and epididymis (tubes that carry sperm from the testicles), causing them to become painful and swollen. This is known as epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the testicles). This is why it is important to get tested and treated as soon as possible – if you think you might have Chlamydia.
How is Chlamydia treated?
Chlamydia can usually be treated easily with antibiotics. Your doctor might arrange for you to be tested for Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections during your visit. It is important that your partner or partners be treated at the same time. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least one week. You might also need to be re-tested after being treated.
How to prevent Chlamydia infection?
The surest way to prevent Chlamydia infection is to abstain from sexual activities. Having sex with one partner who is faithful can also help prevent infection. Other things that can help in prevention include:
• 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. Douching decreases the number of good bacteria in the vagina, which can increase the risk of infection.
Conclusion
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by bacteria. It can easily spread as many of the individuals with it have few or no symptoms. Tests are available to easily diagnose this infection. Once diagnosed it can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Left untreated it can result in serious complications especially for women. If you think you might have Chlamydia infection, or your partner has this infection, make an appointment to see your doctor for an evaluation.
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 is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty eight years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
