Chlamydia trachomatis is a bacteria-caused sexually transmitted infection (STI). Because many people do not experience genital discomfort or discharge from the vagina or penis, you may be unaware that you have chlamydia.
Chlamydia trachomatis primarily affects young women, however it can infect both men and women of all ages. It is simple to cure, but if left untreated, it can lead to more significant health issues.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS?
Early-stage Chlamydia trachomatis infections frequently produce little or no symptoms. Even when signs and symptoms do appear, they are frequently modest, making them easy to miss.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection can cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Urination that causes pain
- Female vaginal discharge
- In men, discharge from the penis
- Painful sexual encounters in women
- Bleeding between periods and after intercourse in women
- Male testicular pain
Chlamydia trachomatis can also infect the rectum, causing either no symptoms or discomfort, discharge, or bleeding. Contact with infected bodily fluids can potentially result in chlamydial eye infections (conjunctivitis).
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS?
The following factors enhance your risk of Chlamydia trachomatis:
- Being sexually active before the age of 25
- Having several sex partners
- Consistently failing to use a condom
- Sexually transmitted infection history
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS?
Chlamydia trachomatis has been linked to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is a uterine and fallopian tube infection that causes pelvic discomfort and fever. Serious infections may necessitate hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. PID can harm the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus, as well as the cervix.
- Prostate gland infection: The chlamydia bacteria can seldom spread to a man's prostate gland. Discomfort during or after intercourse, fever and chills, painful urination, and lower back pain are all symptoms of prostatitis.
- Infections in newborns: During birth, the chlamydia infection can spread from the vaginal canal to your infant, causing pneumonia or a severe eye infection.
- Ectopic pregnancy: When a fertilized egg implants and develops outside of the uterus, it generally happens in a fallopian tube. The pregnancy must be terminated to avoid potentially fatal consequences, such as a ruptured tube. This risk is increased by chlamydia infection.
- Infection close to the testicles (epididymitis): A chlamydia infection can cause inflammation of the coiled tube found next to each testicle (epididymis). Fever, scrotal discomfort, and edema may occur as a result of the illness.
- Infertility: Even if there are no symptoms, Chlamydia infections can induce scarring and occlusion in the fallopian tubes, rendering women infertile.
- Reactive arthritis: People infected with Chlamydia trachomatis are more likely to develop reactive arthritis, generally known as Reiter's syndrome. The joints, eyes, and urethra — the tube that transports pee from your bladder to the outside of your body — are commonly affected by this disorder.
HOW IS CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS DIAGNOSED?
Chlamydia screening is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for:
- Women under the age of 25 who are sexually active: Because this group has the highest prevalence of chlamydia infection, an annual screening test is suggested. Even if you've been tested within the last year, you should be tested again if you have a new sex partner.
- Women who are pregnant: During your first prenatal appointment, you should be checked for Chlamydia. If you are at high risk of infection due to shifting sex partners or the possibility that your usual partner is contaminated, get tested again later in your pregnancy.
- Women and men at high risk: People who have several sex partners, don't always use a condom, or men who have sex with males should consider being tested for chlamydia on a regular basis. Current infection with another sexually transmitted infection and likely exposure to a STI through an infected partner are also indicators of increased risk.
Chlamydia screening and diagnosis are straightforward. Among the tests are:
- A urine test: In the laboratory, a sample of your urine is tested for the presence of this illness.
- A swab: For women, your doctor will take a swab of your cervical discharge for culture or antigen testing for Chlamydia. This is possible during a normal Pap test. Some women choose to swab their own vaginas, which has been proved to be as diagnostic as swabs acquired from a clinician.
To get a sample from the urethra, your doctor inserts a thin swab into the end of your penis. Your doctor may swab the anus in some circumstances.
If you had an initial chlamydia infection and were treated, you should be tested again after three months.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS?
Antibiotics are used to treat Chlamydia trachomatis. You may be given a single dosage, or you may be required to take the drug daily or many times each day for five to ten days.
The illness usually clears itself in one to two weeks. You should avoid intercourse during that period. Even if they show no indications or symptoms, your sexual partner or partners require therapy. Otherwise, the virus can be spread from sexual partner to sexual partner.
Having chlamydia or having been treated for it does not protect you from contracting it again.
HOW CAN CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS BE PREVENTED?
The most effective strategy to avoid chlamydia infection is to avoid sexual activity. In the meanwhile, you can:
- Make use of condoms: During each sexual interaction, use a male latex condom or a female polyurethane condom. Condoms, when worn properly, lower but do not eliminate the risk of infection after every sexual interaction.
- Limit the amount of sex partners you have: You are more likely to get chlamydia and other sexually transmitted illnesses if you have several sex partners.
- Schedule frequent screenings: If you are sexually active, especially if you have several partners, consult your doctor about how frequently you should get tested for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted illnesses.
- Avoid douching: Douching reduces the quantity of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which increases the risk of infection.
CONCLUSION
It might be awkward to discuss anything sex-related with your doctor, including STI prevention. However, your sexual life is an essential aspect of your health that your provider must be aware of in order to properly care for you. Not receiving the necessary chlamydia treatment might endanger your health. Speak with your physician about being checked for chlamydia and other STIs on a regular basis to lower your chance of issues. To avoid the transmission of Chlamydia, engage in safer sex.