Chlamydia: Causes and Symptoms
June 30, 2021 | Farah Jassawalla

Chlamydia: Causes and Symptoms

Chlamydia is one of the very common sexually transmitted diseases that affect both men and women. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is spread through sexual intercourse or any sexual activity involving genitals.

Causes

Chlamydia is transferred by engaging in any kind of sexual activity that involves genitals including oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Chlamydia does not only transfer by penetration but also by touching genitals.

It usually happens when one has multiple sexual partners in a short period of time. Chlamydia transmits from one partner to another, especially when safe sex is not performed. It can also be transmitted to newborn babies during birth if the mother has this infection.

Prevalence

Although Chlamydia is found in both men and women, it is more common in women between the ages of 18 to 24. The risk of getting Chlamydia is even higher if one has been infected previously and healed.

Symptoms

Chlamydia in its early stages does not give off many symptoms, but after three weeks of contracting the infection, the symptoms are noticeable. Symptoms of Chlamydia differ in both men and women. Some common symptoms that women face are:

      Vaginal discharge

      Painful sexual intercourse

      Burning sensation while peeing

      Pain in the lower belly.

      Blood in between periods.

Symptoms of Chlamydia in men may include:

      Discharge from the penis having a green or yellow color.

      Pain or burning sensation while urinating.

      Pain in the lower belly or testicles etc.

      Patients can also get Chlamydia in their throats, eyes, and rectum depending on the sexual activity.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose patients with Chlamydia after seeing and enquiring about a few of its symptoms. If three or more are present, the doctor proceeds with the physical tests. In physical exams, doctors check for any sores on the body that may indicate chlamydia. For women, they swab the vagina and send that for testing. For men, they test the urine samples. Throat and anus can also be swabbed if an indication of Chlamydia in these areas is present.

Treatment

Since Chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it is highly treatable using antibiotics. Two of the most common antibiotics prescribed for treating chlamydia are Doxycycline and Azithromycin. Both are effective but must be taken according to the prescribed dosage of the physician. It usually takes up to two weeks for this infection to clear up. Book an online appointment at Shifa4U to acquire the help of professionals.

Prevention

The best way to treat a disease is to prevent it from happening. People must take precautions like using latex condoms during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Having monogamous relationships or not changing sexual partners as regularly can also prevent one from many STDs. People should also avoid having sex if they have contracted this infection for as long as they are not completely cured for their safety and the safety of others.

Why is the treatment for Chlamydia important?

Chlamydia, if treated as soon as the symptoms arrive, causes no long-term problems, but if it stays untreated for long, it can cause dangerous complications. In women, it can cause Pelvic Inflammatory disease that has long-lasting and painful effects. It can cause infertility and scarring of the fallopian tubes. Chlamydia, when left untreated, can also be transferred to newborn babies and can be life-threatening to them.

In men, untreated Chlamydia can cause inflammation in the genitals. It can even spread to the prostate gland causing painful intercourse and lower back issues. Hence, chlamydia or any STD must not be ignored and treated immediately to prevent further discomfort.

Farah Jassawalla

Farah Jassawalla is a graduate of the Lahore School of Economics. She is also a writer, and healthcare enthusiast, having closely observed case studies while working with Lahore's thriving general physicians at their clinics.