Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. This disease occurs most often among sexually active adolescents and young adults. Although it can be successfully treated if diagnosed in its early stages, complications from this disease can be very serious and longlasting.

What causes chlamydia infection?
Chlamydia infection is caused by the organism chlamydia trachomatis. This is a sexually transmitted disorder and can be spread during vaginal or oral sex with an infected partner. Chlamydia often causes no symptoms and many people who have it unknowingly spread the disease. A pregnant woman may also pass the infection to her newborn.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia infection?

Very often there are NO symptoms. About 80% of women and 50% of men do not have symptoms when infected by chlamydia. Chlamydia may not cause symptoms until the infection has spread to other parts of the body. When symptoms do occur, they usually occur one to three weeks after exposure to the organism.
Symptoms seen in women include the following:
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding with intercourse or between periods
Genital itching
Irregular menstrual bleeding
Painful urination
Cloudy urine
Lower abdominal pain
Fever and general tiredness
Swollen and painful glands at the opening of the vagina
Eye inflammation
Symptoms in men include the following:
Painful urination
Cloudy urine
Watery or slimy discharge from the penis
Crusting at the tip of the penis
Tender scrotum
Eye inflammation
It should be pointed out that all these symptoms might occur with other sexually transmitted disorders.
Individuals with these symptoms should see their doctor.

Prevention

The only way to avoid getting chlamydia infection and other sexually transmitted diseases is by not having sex (abstinence) or by being in a relationship with an uninfected partner in which you only have sex with one another! If you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship using a condom every time you have sex is the best way to protect yourself.

What increases your risk of getting chlamydia infection?

Having unprotected sex without condoms
Being sexually active before age 18.
Having sex with more than one partner or with a partner who has sex with other partners.

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you might have chlamydia infection you should see your doctor for a discussion of your history and symptoms. Your doctor should carry out a detail examination. For women, a gynaecological examination is crucial and for men, genital examination is important. Your doctor may arrange for you to have a special test for chlamydia if warranted. Your doctor may also look for other sexually transmitted diseases as well.

Treatment

If diagnosed early chlamydia infection can be successfully treated. Cure is possible!
All individuals who have been tested positive for chlamydia should be treated. Most doctors will also treat all partners as well. Newborns of women who have tested positive for chlamydia should be treated for chlamydia at the time of delivery.

Complications

Early treatment of chlamydia results in cure, unfortunately many individuals do not go to see their doctor and are not diagnosed, while others do not know they have been infected. In these cases complications can develop. In women, the main complication from chlamydia infection is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This can cause a woman to become infertile or unable to have children.

Conclusion

More and more individuals are becoming infected with chlamydia. This sexually transmitted disease can result in severe complications if not diagnosed and treated correctly. Many individuals with this disorder do not have symptoms; therefore it is vital that individuals avoid risky sexual behaviours. Prevention is important in controlling the spread of this disease. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of chlamydia infection should see their doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment. This is one sexually transmitted disease that can be successfully treated!

Dr Brett Hodge is a Family Physician and Specialist Obstetrician/Gynaecologist with a Medical Practice in the JOHNSON BUILDING in THE VALLEY.

Dr. Brett Hodge