Chlamydia
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia, is a curable sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.Chlamydia infection is very common among young adults and teenagers. However, many people do not know that they have chlamydia, because they maybe infected but show no symptoms. Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact (primarily vaginal or anal) with an infected person.
The main risk factors for chlamydia include: Engaging in unsafe sex, having sex with more than one partner, being in a sexual relationship with someone who has multiple sex partners. You can reduce your chances of becoming infected with chlamydia by avoiding risky sexual behaviors. If you have recently been treated for chlamydia infection, you must make sure your sex partner or partners also receive treatment in order to prevent getting infected again.
About 75% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia have no symptoms of infection. In women, symptoms of chlamydia may include: An unusual vaginal discharge; Bleeding after intercourse; Bleeding between menstrual periods; Abdominal or pelvic pain. In men, symptoms may include: Discharge from the penis; Burning with urination; Swollen or painful testicles. Symptoms may appear within one to three weeks after being infected.
Chlamydia Symptoms
WomenIn women, genital chlamydia does not always cause symptoms. Signs and symptoms can appear 1-3 weeks after coming in contact with chlamydia, many months later or not until the infection has spread to other parts of your body. Some women may notice:
- Cystitis (pain when passing urine),
- a change in their vaginal discharge,
- lower abdominal pain,
- pain and/or bleeding during sexual intercourse,
- bleeding after sex, or
- bleeding between periods or heavier periods.
- If left untreated the chlamydial infection can spread to the womb, and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
Symptoms of genital chlamydia are more common in men than in women. Signs and symptoms can appear 1-3 weeks after coming in contact with chlamydia, many months later or not until the infection has spread to other parts of your body.
- Some men may notice:
- a white, cloudy or watery discharge from the tip of the penis,
- pain when passing urine, or
- pain in the tesiticles.
Men and women
Very rarely the chlamydia infection may affect areas other than the genitals in both men and women, such as the rectum, eyes or throat. If the infection is in the rectum it can cause some discomfort and discharge. In the eyes it can cause pain, swelling, irritation and discharge (conjunctivitis). Infection in the throat is very rare and does not usually cause any symptoms.
