Facts About Chlamydia

Chlamydia, The unknown sexually transmitted disease

Chlamydia infections, which may cause serious complications, are the most common STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases). This bacteria is peculiar because it lives and grows inside cells and is therefore difficult to identify. Anyone can carry chlamydia without regard to age or sex.

Diagnosis:

Frequently, people with chlamydia show no symptoms; such people are called asymptomatic carriers. These carriers can transmit the bacteria without being aware of it. However, an infected person can have one of many symptoms.

To diagnose chlamydia, the doctor takes a sample of cells from the cervix in women or the penis in men. Chlamydia can also be diagnose by providing a urine sample (the first stream of urine is needed but not more than 60 ml).

It is difficult to be specific about the development of the disease. Sometimes there is no history of recent sexual contact. Infection can be present for a period of months or years before symptoms appear.

In Men:

• Most men have no symptoms
• Urethritis; a clear or viscous discharge from the penis, often not noticeable
• A burning sensation on urination
• Itch and redness of the penis opening
• Pain in the testicles
  

In Women:

• Most women have no symptoms
• Heavy white or yellowish vaginal discharge
• Itch of the vulva
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Infected cervix
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain or discomfort during sexual relations
• Lower abdominal pain
  

Eye, throat, and rectal infections can affect both males and females.

Complications:

In Men, there is a possibility of infection of the prostate and/or testicles, which can cause sterility.

Reiter’s syndrome is a complication that can occur in the joints, eyes and the urethra.

Women risk scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes that can cause sterility or pregnancy outside the uterus. Repeated infections increase the risk of scarring.

Women can have chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, i.e. abdominal pain and infection.

Chlamydia is responsible for eye infections and pneumonia in babies born by vaginal deliveries from infected mothers.

Prevention:

Certain measures decrease the risk of infection.

• You can eliminate your risk entirely by not having sexual relations with anyone (abstinence).
• By having sexual relations only with a non-infected partner who has sex only with you (mutual monogamy).
• Always use a condom during sexual relations.
• If you or your partner have had other partners, get regular STD checkups, because one of you may have acquired the infection from a previous partner several years ago.
• If you have symptoms of an STD, stop all sexual relations and consult a doctor as soon as possible.
• If you test positive, inform all your sexual partners to see a doctor for STD testing, in order to break the chain of infection.
  

Help! I Have It!

Do not panic! Chlamydia is treated easily with antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Vibramycin, Doxycycline or Erythromycin (used in case or pregnancy or allergy to Tetracycline).

• Inform the physician if you have any drug allergies.
• Take your vibramycin/doxycycline with meals unless the physician instructs you otherwise.
• Finish all your antibiotics - very important! Don’t miss any doses!
• Because antibiotics may block the birth control effect of the birth control pill, continue to take your pills and use another effective method of birth control (eg. condom plus foam) until you begin your next package of birth control pills.
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn because you may be more sun sensitive while taking the antibiotics.
• Some women get a yeast infection in their vagina when taking antibiotics. Make a doctor’s appointment if your experience vaginal itch or discomfort, or an increase in vaginal discharge.
• Your sexual partner(s) must be treated.
• Make an appointment now for a follow-up visit 1 to 2 weeks after you finish your treatment.
• You must use condoms until after your follow-up appointment. You are advised to always use condoms.