Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which can affect both men and women. Sometimes this infection can be asymptomatic, but it’s also common to cause symptoms such as altered vaginal discharge or burns when urinating, for example.
Infection can occur after unprotected sexual contact and, for this reason, in men, infection is more common in the urethra, rectum or throat, while in women, the most affected areas are the cervix or rectum.
- The disease can only be identified by evaluating symptoms that occur.
- But there are also tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Thus.
- In the face of suspected chlamydia it is very important to see the family doctor or infectious disease specialist to confirm the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment.
- Which is usually done with antibiotics.
Chlamydia symptoms may appear 1 to 3 weeks after unprotected sex, but even in the absence of apparent signs and symptoms, the person can transmit the bacteria.
The main signs and symptoms of chlamydia in women are
If chlamydia infection is not identified in women, the bacteria may spread in the uterus and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which is one of the leading causes of infertility and abortion in women.
Symptoms of infection in men are similar, with burning pain or sensation when urinating, penis discharge, pain and swelling of the testicles, and inflammation of the urethra. In addition, if left untreated, bacteria can cause an orchid, which is an inflammation of the testicles, which can interfere with sperm production.
The main way to get chlamydia infection is through intimate, condomless contact with an infected person, either orally, vaginally or. For example, people with multiple sexual partners are at increased risk of contracting the disease.
In addition, chlamydia can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth, when the pregnant woman has the infection and has not received adequate treatment.
When chlamydia causes symptoms, the infection can only be identified by the urologist or gynecologist when evaluating these symptoms. However, laboratory tests, such as a small smear of the intimate area for secretion collection or urine testing, may also be performed to identify the presence of the bacteria.
Chlamydia does not cause symptoms in some cases, so people over the age of 25, who have an active sex life and more than one partner, are recommended to be tested regularly. After you become pregnant, it is also advisable to perform the test, to avoid transmitting the bacteria to the baby during delivery.
Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics for 7 days. However, to ensure healing, it is advisable during this period to avoid unprotected intimate contact.
Even in HIV-positive people, the infection can be cured in the same way, without further treatment or hospitalization.
Treatment for chlamydia involves using antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, such as azithromycin in a single dose or doxycycline for 7 days, or as directed by your doctor.
It is important that treatment is performed by both the person carrying the bacteria and the sexual partner, even if sexual contact has been established with a condom. In addition, it is recommended that you do not have sex during treatment to prevent the infection from re-occurring. See more details on chlamydia treatment.
With proper treatment, bacteria can be completely eradicated, but if other complications occur, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility, they can be permanent.
Chlamydia infection during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and endometritis. Because this disease can pass to the baby during a normal delivery, it is important to perform tests to diagnose this disease during prenatal care and to follow the treatment indicated by the obstetrician.
The baby affected during childbirth may have complications such as conjunctivitis or chlamydia pneumonia, and these conditions may also be treated with antibiotics indicated by the pediatrician.