An Overview of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) that often exhibits little or no symptoms for quite some time in women who are infected. Despite the fact that symptoms are mild or absent all together, chlamydia can be causing irreversible damage to the woman's reproductive organs.

In men a chlamydia infection may cause a discharge from the penis. This generally happens relatively quickly, so that the infection doesn't proceed to cause more severe and irreversible damage. Men may also experience painful urination, burning and itching at the opening of the urethra, and very rarely swelling and pain in the testicles.

In women, the initial symptoms of chlamydia are similar to those of a urinary tract infection. According to the CDC, symptoms in women include an abnormal vaginal discharge or a burning sensation when urinating. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The CDC states that "[Once]... 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. Chlamydial infection of the cervix can spread to the rectum."

Chlamydia increases the chance of HIV infection in women who are infected. This is only if the woman comes into contact with HIV while actively infected with chlamydia.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can develop in women with long term chlamydia infections. PID can cause ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy, a potentially fatal condition). PID can also cause chronic pelvic pain.

Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat if anal and/or oral sex are engaged in. An anal infection can cause burning, pain, and discharge from the rectum.

The best prevention for a chlamydia infection is to practice safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners you have. If you've had unprotected sex or have had a new sexual partner and you begin to experience burning and itching, particularly when urinating, you should speak with a physician about getting tested. By being proactive about preventing exposure and by being tested if you suspect you've been infected, you can prevent long-term effects like infertility and sterility.

Chlamydia is treated with oral antibiotics. The most commonly used medications are azithromycin or doxycycline.

Pregnant women who have chlamydia can spread the infection to their babies. Chlamydia is linked to premature delivery. It can also cause the infant to be born with pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, and pneumonia.

Sources:

Chlamydia- CDC Fact Sheet, http://cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/STDFact-Chlamydia.htm