Chlamydia

What is Chlamydia?

According to the NHS, Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.K. The sexually transmitted infection is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis and is spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia and occurs in both men and women. 

This STI is very common among those under the age of 25 but can occur in anyone who is sexually active. Chlamydia can be contracted during unprotected sex, your genitals coming into contact with another person’s genitals, or sharing sex toys that haven’t been washed.

Noticeable symptoms may not present, but when they do, they typically occur after one to three weeks after having unprotected sex. 

Complications of Chlamydia 

Chlamydia bacterial infections can be associated with the following: 

• Infertility. Chlamydia infections, even those that do not present with symptoms, can cause obstruction and scarring in the fallopian tubes. This may result in infertility. 
• Infections in newborns. Chlamydia infection can pass from the vagina to the baby during childbirth. This can cause a severe eye infection or pneumonia. 
• Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID). This is an infection of the uterus and the fallopian tubes causing fever and pelvic pain. Severe PID infections may require hospitalisation for intravenous antibiotics. PID can result in damage to the cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. 

• Reactive arthritis. People who have chlamydia infections are at higher risk of developing Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis). Reiter’s syndrome generally affects the urethra, joints, and eyes. 
• Ectopic pregnancy. Chlamydia increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition, and the pregnancy needs to be terminated. 

Infection near the testicles. A chlamydia infection can in inflame the epididymis (a coiled tube located beside each testicle), resulting in swelling, fever, and scrotal pain.

Diagnosis 

Chlamydia screening is recommended for: 

• Men and women at high risk. People who have multiple or new sex partners. 
• Sexually active women age 25 or younger. The rate of chlamydia infection is the highest in this age group of women. An annual screening test is recommended. 
• Pregnant women. Should be tested for chlamydia during the first prenatal exam. If you are at high risk, you may need to be tested again later in your pregnancy. 

Diagnosis and screening of chlamydia are simple; tests ordered include: 

• A swab. For women, your doctor will take a swab of the discharge from the cervix. The swab will undergo culture or antigen testing. A swab test can be done during a routine pap smear. For men, a slim swab is inserted into the end of the penis to get a swab from the urethra. In some cases, a swab will be taken of the anus.
• A urine test. The laboratory analyses a sample of your urine for the presence of a chlamydia infection. 

You should be retested every three months if you have previously been treated for chlamydia infection.

Treatment 

As bacteria cause Chlamydia infections, they are easily treated with antibiotics. 

The antibiotics generally prescribed are Azithromycin and Doxycycline. Doxycycline is prescribed to be taken twice daily for seven days, while Azithromycin is usually prescribed in a single large dose. Your doctor may also prescribe other types of antibiotics. 

It is essential to follow the dosage instructions prescribed to ensure that the chlamydia infection clears fully. The infection may take up to two weeks before clearing completely, even if you only were prescribed a single-dose antibiotic. 

It is important not to engage in sex, as it is still possible to transmit chlamydia or contract chlamydia. 

Chlamydia symptoms may not clear up if: 

• You have another underlying STI at the same time. 
• If you have an unrelated infection, such as endometriosis or a urinary tract infection. 
• On rare occasions, the strain of bacteria may be resistant to the antibiotics prescribed to treat it.

Prevention 

While the only way to completely prevent contracting a chlamydia infection is to abstain from sexual activities if you are sexually active, you can: 

• Limit the number of sex partners. Having multiple sex partners increases your risk of contracting STIs, including chlamydia. 

• Avoid douching. Douching decreases the number of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. This can increase the risk of developing a bacterial infection. 
• Use condoms. Female polyurethane condoms or male latex condoms should be used during sexual contact. It is important not to reuse condoms and to use them correctly during sexual encounters. 

Get regular screenings. If you are sexually active, especially with multiple partners, you should regularly get screened for STIs and chlamydia. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened.