Chlamydia: Causes, Prevention And Treatment}

Submitted by: Megan Kent

Chlamydia falls among the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and a big percentage of people affected by the condition do not exhibit any symptoms. This bacterial infection can affect the cervix, penis, rectum, throat and eyes. There are people who are usually at higher risks of suffering from the condition including sexually active women below 25 years of age, gays, bisexuals and those with multiple sexual partners.

Some of the symptoms associated with Chlamydia include:

Abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis

Burning sensation or pain when urinating

Pain and bleeding in women during sexual intercourse

Swellings in mens testicles

Causes of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be easily transmitted through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. People are still at high risks of infection even without penetration, ejaculation or orgasm provided there is contact with infected fluids. This means that you can get the infection by simply touching your eyes with hands covered with infected vaginal fluid or semen.

Pregnant women can also pass the infection to their babies during birth. Contrary to some common myths, Chlamydia cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as holding hands, hugging and kissing or by sharing facilities like swimming pools, toilets and bathrooms.

How to tell if you have an infection

The most effective way of telling if you have Chlamydia is to get tested. Generally, you should get tested if you have been involved in an unprotected sexual intercourse either with your current or new partner. You should also go for the same if you are showing any of the symptoms associated with the condition. If the results are positive, you should also consider getting tested for other STIs.

There are various tests that can be carried out including:

Testing urine samples

Examining the cervix and vagina in women

Swabbing the urethra to carry out tests in men

Examining the throat or rectum

The condition can be fully treated using antibiotics and all the symptoms can disappear within 7 days. You should wait for the infection to clear up before having sexual intercourse to avoid possible transmission. There are measures that you can take to prevent repeated infection including using condoms and avoiding shared sex toys. You should be taking Chlamydia tests regularly if you are sexually active.

You should also opt for a second test if the signs or symptoms did not clear up on completing the treatment and if you failed to complete the prescribed medication or didnt follow the correct instructions. This should also apply to people who received negative results but still continued to experience signs and symptoms of Chlamydia.

Possible complications

Some symptoms associated with Chlamydia can disappear without treatment but any delays in seeking medical assistance can contribute to serious health problems. In women, the infection can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) after spreading to the uterus or fallopian tubes. This is a condition that has been linked to health issues like ectopic pregnancy, prolonged pelvic pain and infertility.

About the Author: Megan Kent is a health and wellness enthusiast from the UK. When she’s not reading the latest low fat recipe book or listening to a meditation podcast, she’s writing blog posts to others improve their own wellbeing and lifestyle. Visit

theindependentpharmacy.co.uk/chlamydia

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