Chlamydia trachomatis
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Chlamydia is a common infection transmitted through sexual contact, also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The lack of noticeable symptoms, such as genital discomfort or unusual genital discharge, means that individuals might be unaware of their chlamydia infection.
Chlamydia trachomatis primarily affects young women, although it can impact both genders and various age groups. Receiving treatment for chlamydia is crucial to avoid potential complications. If left untreated, the infection can result in severe consequences and permanent damage to your reproductive organs.
Symptoms
In the early stages, Chlamydia trachomatis infections often exhibit few symptoms. It spreads through sexual contact via genital fluids, even without penetration or ejaculation. Chlamydia can also infect the eyes, throat, or rectum depending on one’s sexual activity. Eye infections, referred to as conjunctivitis, result in redness and irritation of the eyelids. Throat infections may be asymptomatic or cause a sore throat. Rectal infections might manifest no symptoms or lead to pain, discharge, or bleeding.
Symptoms of Chlamydia trachomatis infection may include:
- Painful urination
- Vaginal discharge
- Penile discharge
- Painful intercourse (in women)
- Vaginal bleeding between periods and after sex
- Testicular pain
If you experience discharge from the vagina, penis, or rectum, or if urination is painful, it is advisable to consult a doctor. It is also important to see a doctor if your sexual partner is diagnosed with chlamydia. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics, even in the absence of symptoms.
Causes
Chlamydia trachomatis mainly spreads through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Babies born to mothers with chlamydia can also get it during birth, which can lead to lung problems or eye infections in the babies.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the chances of getting chlamydia are:
- Using condoms less.
- Not getting healthcare to prevent or treat sexual infections.
- Having sex with more than one person.
- Changing partners without knowing about chlamydia.
People who are younger than 25 have a bigger chance of getting chlamydia than older people. This is because younger people are more likely to have more than one of these things that increase the risk.
Diagnosis
The CDC recommends chlamydia screening for the following groups:
- People with Symptoms: If you have chlamydia symptoms, screening is recommended.
- Women under 25: Chlamydia infection is common in this group. It’s advised to get screened every year, especially with new partners.
- Pregnant Women: Chlamydia testing is done during the first prenatal exam. If you’re at high risk (under 25, new partner), get tested again later in pregnancy.
- High-Risk Individuals: Consider more frequent screening if you have new/multiple partners, are a man who has sex with men, have other STIs, or possible exposure through an infected partner.
Chlamydia can be detected and diagnosed in a simple test. The tests may include:
- Urinalysis: To determine whether this infection is present, a urine sample is subjected to a laboratory study. This method is applicable for both males and females.
- Swab test: A swab is used to collect a sample from the cervix, vagina, throat, or anus for testing purposes. When collecting a sample from the cervix, a healthcare professional takes a swab of the cervix discharge during a routine Pap test. If a sample is needed from the vagina, either you or a doctor can perform the swab. In the case of both males and females, the doctor might take a swab from the throat or anus, depending on their sexual history.
It is recommended to have another chlamydia test about three months after obtaining therapy for the initial infection.
Treatment
Antibiotics can effectively treat Chlamydia within approximately one to two weeks. It’s important not to discontinue your medication solely based on symptom improvement. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the necessary follow-up to ensure complete resolution of the infection after finishing your prescribed medication. Chlamydia can potentially return.
Your treatment plan should involve refraining from sexual activities that might lead to re-infection and ensuring that any potentially infected sexual partners also receive treatment. Remember to:
- Pause Sexual Activity: Refrain from engaging in any sexual activity until your infection has completely cleared. Simply starting treatment does not indicate complete recovery. Adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions diligently and avoid any sexual contact during this period.
- Inform Sexual Partners: Reach out to all your sexual partners. Notify anyone you’ve been sexually involved with over the last three months about your infection. This ensures they can undergo testing as well and take appropriate measures.
- Comprehensive STI Testing: Arrange for testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV/AIDS, syphilis, herpes, and gonorrhea. Since having multiple STIs is common, it’s essential to receive treatment tailored to each specific infection. This step ensures a comprehensive approach to your sexual health.
The primary antibiotics employed for treating chlamydia infections include:
- Doxycycline: Typically taken for a duration of seven days, this is the preferred option.
- Azithromycin: Generally taken as a single dose, it is suggested as the primary choice during pregnancy.
Remember to exclusively take antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider, and complete the entire course of medication, even if your symptoms alleviate.
