Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease where symptoms of Chlamydia infection similar to other STDs like genital herpes. It is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis and it is the most typical sexually transmitted disease all over the world with over 2 million cases per year, a prevalence that is 3 times higher to that of gonorrhea. Transmission is through intimate sexual contact and not through casual contact such as kissing or holding hands. It is never transmitted through placental route but neonates can get the disease through contact with the infection during vaginal delivery. Neonates may have conjunctivitis and pneumonia at birth because of this. Symptoms of Chlamydia usually affect the cervix, urethra and rectum. In addition, about 30% of patients are asymptomatic.
Symptoms of Chlamydia Infection in Men & Women
Being sexually active with multiple sexual partners increases the risk for Chlamydia infections. Moreover, young adults, people who belong to lower socioeconomic status, people in urban sites and African Americans have higher risk for Chlamydia.
Symptoms of Chlamydia often resemble gonorrhea; hence a definite diagnosis should be made for a more appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
- Dysuria or painful urination
- Clear or white discharge from the urethra or rectum
- Inflammation of the testicles and testicular ducts leading to tenderness and pain
- Rectal pain
- Some may be asymptomatic
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women
- Mucopurulent vaginal discharge
- Edematous cervix
- Dysuria
- Post coital bleeding or bleeding after intercourse
- Mid –cycle spotting
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspareunia or painful sexual intercourse
- Rectal pain
- Some are also asymptomatic
- More advanced disease may lead to liver inflammation and salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes)
Diagnosing Chlamydia
Laboratory tests are done to support symptoms of Chlamydia in diagnosing the disease. Cultures of urethral, cervical and anal secretions are done to determine presence of the bacteria. More advanced tests are the DNA probe test, and monoclonal antibody test through blood samples.
Once an individual had Chlamydia, it is easier for him or her to acquire other sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Diagnosis should also try to rule out other STDs.
In order to eradicate symptoms of Chlamydia, antibiotic treatments are given such as azithromycin, doxycycline and tetracycline for 7 days or depending on the severity of the infection and a follow up assessment should be done after 1 month to completely eradicate Chlamydia.
Complications of Chlamydia
Symptoms of Chlamydia may progress when not treated promptly. The disease can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and urethritis. PID and salpingitis may further lead to ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Prevention for Chlamydia
In order to prevent the disease and underlying symptoms of Chlamydia, sexually active women should be checked for Chlamydia yearly through cervical and vaginal smears. But the healthiest way of preventing it is for people to have monogamous sexual relationships. Symptoms of Chlamydia are sometimes unnoticed so further sexual precautions should be instituted like the use of condoms.
