Clamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women and can cause serious, permanent damage to a woman's reproductive system, making it difficult or impossible for her to get pregnant later on. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb).

Symptoms

Many people with chlamydia do not develop symptoms, but they can still infect others through sexual contact. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Genital pain
• Discharge from the vagina or penis
• Painful urination
• In women, symptoms can also include abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, and pain during intercourse.

Transmission

Chlamydia is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, potentially causing pneumonia or a severe eye infection in the newborn.

Diagnosis

Chlamydia can be diagnosed through laboratory tests, including:

• Urine test
• Swab samples from the cervix in women or the urethra in men
• Swabs from the throat or rectum if these areas are potentially infected

Treatment

Chlamydia is typically treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline

It is important for sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent re-infection. Patients should abstain from sexual activity until the infection is fully cleared.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Using condoms consistently and correctly
• Regular screening for sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Ensuring that sexual partners are tested and treated if necessary

Complications

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
• Epididymitis in men
• Increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV
• Infertility in both men and women

Related Pages

• Sexually transmitted infection
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Epididymitis
• Antibiotics
• Condom