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Chlamydia
Introduction
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection which affects the cervix in women and the urethra in men. Chlamydia is the most common STI and, quite often, there are no outward symptoms to indicate that anything is wrong. Chlamydia can, if left untreated, cause very unwelcome complications.
About Chlamydia
Chlamydia is known as a "silent" disease due to the fact that about three quarters of infected women and about half of infected men have no symptoms. If an infected person has symptoms they will usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks of exposure.
If left untreated, Chlamydia infections can develop into to serious reproductive and general health problems. Like the disease itself, the damage that Chlamydia causes is often "silent."
In up to 40 percent of women, untreated infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues and lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Women infected with Chlamydia are up to five times more likely to become infected with HIV, if exposed.
Symptoms
Men
Men with signs or symptoms might have a discharge from their penis or a burning sensation when urinating. Men might also have burning and itching around the opening of the penis. Pain and swelling in the testicles are uncommon.
Women
In women, the bacteria initially infect the cervix and the urethra which can result in an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. When the infection spreads from the cervix to the fallopian tubes some women still have no signs or symptoms; others have lower abdominal pain, low back pain, nausea, fever, pain during intercourse, or bleeding between menstrual periods. If left untreated Chlamydia can lead to infertility.
In pregnant women, there is some evidence that untreated Chlamydia infections can lead to premature births. Babies born to infected mothers can get Chlamydia infections in their eyes and their respiratory tracts. Chlamydia is the most frequent cause of pneumonia and conjunctivitis in newborn babies.
Chlamydia can also lead to a painful joint condition known as Sexually Acquired Reactive Arthritis.
Testing and treatment
Chlamydia can be easily tested by taking a swab or by using a urine test. If the test is positive then it can be treated with antibiotics. The most common treatment is azithromycin as it is a one off dose. Another treatment is doxycycline but this is usually a one week course. Re-testing is recommended for women three to four months after treatment.
If you are suffering any symptoms such as genital discharge or a burning sensation when you urinate, we recommend the Full STI Screen in order to determine all factors which may be at the root of the problem.
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