Sexually transmitted infection Chlamydia is caused by bacteria and is a prevalent cause of STIs. In the early stages of chlamydia infection, many people show no signs or symptoms.

In reality, 90% of women and 70% of men infected with STIs go undiagnosed since they don't show any symptoms. Even so, chlamydia may create health issues down the road.

You should receive frequent chlamydia tests and speak with your healthcare professional if you worry about the infection going untreated.

 

Symptoms

A majority of people living with chlamydia show no symptoms. If you do get symptoms resulting from having sex with an infected partner, they may not show up for many weeks. In the absence of any symptoms, chlamydia may harm your reproductive system.

One or both testicles may become swollen and inflamed, as well as a discharge from the penis; this is a typical symptom in males (although this is less common).

 

Causes

A chlamydia infection may be spread via unprotected oral intercourse and by having sex without a condom. However, it does not have to be penetrated to be contracted.

The bacterium may be spread by touching genitals together. When engaged in anal intercourse, it is possible to contract it. Chlamydia may be passed from mother to child after delivery. Chlamydia testing is usually included in prenatal testing, but it's never a bad idea to check with an OB-GYN to be sure.

Although this is rare, oral or vaginal contact with the eyes may result in chlamydia infection. Even if you've had chlamydia previously and had it effectively treated, you may still get it.

 

Treatment

In most cases, chlamydia may be effectively eradicated with simple, over-the-counter medications. Antibiotics are used since it is bacterial.

In certain cases, more antibiotics may be prescribed. To ensure that the infection is completely eradicated, the dose recommendations for any antibiotic administered must be strictly followed.

Even with single-dose drugs, this may take up to two weeks. You must refrain from having sex while receiving therapy. Even if you've had treatment for prior infection, re-exposure to chlamydia may still result in transmission and illness.

Even though chlamydia may be cured, it's still critical to take precautions to avoid recurrence.

 

Prevention

Using a condom during sex is the best approach for a sexually active individual to prevent catching chlamydia.

·       You should use protection with every new partner to ensure safe sex.

·       New partners should be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) regularly.

·       You should not engage in oral sex unless your partner has been tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

·       Infections, unwanted pregnancies, and other problems may be avoided with proper sex practices. A well-executed safe sex session may be quite rewarding.

 

Is it possible to get rid of chlamydia?

Yes, chlamydia may be treated successfully. You must follow your doctor's instructions and take all of the prescribed medicine to treat your illness. When taken correctly, the infection may be halted, and the risk of consequences can be reduced. Chlamydia medicine should not be shared with anybody.

Repeat chlamydia infections are frequent. Even if your sex partner was treated, you should be retested around three months following treatment.

 

References

1)    Schachter J,Grossman M,Sweet RL,Holt J,Jordan C,Bishop E, Prospective study of perinatal transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis. JAMA. 1986 Jun 27;     

2)    Tipple MA,Beem MO,Saxon EM, Clinical characteristics of the afebrile pneumonia associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection in infants less than 6 months of age. Pediatrics. 1979 Feb;

3)    Kohlhoff SA,Hammerschlag MR, Treatment of Chlamydial infections: 2014 update. Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy. 2015 Feb     

4)    Workowski KA,Bolan GA, Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR. Recommendations and reports: Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports. 2015 Jun 5     

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