Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease, which is usually silent because in 80% of cases it has no symptoms, being very common in young men and women until the age of 25.
This disease is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis and if left untreated, it can have serious consequences for men and women, with greater severity for women of childbearing age.
- Women infected with chlamydia who have this type of complication have a high risk of developing a pregnancy outside the uterus.
- Called an ectopic pregnancy.
- Which impedes the baby’s development and can lead to maternal death.
The main consequences of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria infection can be seen in the following table:
In addition to these complications, when infected women choose in vitro fertilization because they cannot conceive naturally, they may not succeed because chlamydia also reduces the success rates of this method. However, in vitro fertilization is still indicated for these cases, as it can still succeed, but the couple should be aware that there will be no guarantee of pregnancy.
The pathways by which this bacteria causes infertility are not yet fully known, but the bacteria is known to be sexually transmitted and reaches the reproductive organs and can cause serious changes, such as salpingitis that inflames and deforms the fallopian tubes.
Although bacteria can be eliminated, the damage they cause cannot be healed and the affected person therefore becomes sterile because inflammation and deformation of the tubes prevent the egg from reaching the uterine tubes, where fertilization usually occurs. .
Chlamydia can be identified by a specific blood test where antibodies against bacteria can be observed. However, this test is generally not necessary, only when the person has symptoms that may indicate a chlamydia infection, such as pelvic pain, yellowing discharge or pain during intimate contact or when there is an indication of infertility that occurs when the partner has been trying to conceive. for more than 1 year, without success.
For those who have discovered that they have chlamydia before observing infertility, it is recommended to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor, taking the antibiotics correctly to reduce the risk of complications.
Chlamydia is curable and bacteria can be removed from the body after the use of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, however, complications caused by the disease are irreversible and therefore the couple may not be able to conceive naturally.
Thus, those who have discovered that they are infertile from complications of chlamydia may opt for assisted reproduction, using methods such as IVF – IVF – IVF.
To avoid chlamydia, it is recommended to use a condom during all sex and to see a gynecologist or urologist at least once a year for the doctor to look at the person’s genitals and order tests that may indicate changes. In addition, it is important to see your doctor whenever you experience symptoms such as pain during intimate or high contact.