Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect the urethra, rectum, throat or cervix and is caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis which can affect both men and women.
The infection occurs after unprotected sexual contact and in most cases it is asymptomatic, however it is also possible to notice some symptoms in some cases, such as altered vaginal discharge or burning sensation when urinating, for example.
The disease can be identified simply by evaluating the symptoms presented, but there are also tests that help confirm the diagnosis. Therefore, whenever there is a suspicion of having contracted chlamydia, it is very important to go to the general practitioner or an infectious disease specialist, to confirm the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment, which is normally done with antibiotics.
Chlamydia symptoms
The main symptoms of chlamydia are:
- Pain or burning when urinating;
- Vaginal or penile discharge, similar to pus;
- Pain or bleeding during intimate contact;
- Pelvic pain;
- Pain and swelling in the testicles, in the case of men;
- Bleeding outside the menstrual period, in the case of women.
Chlamydia symptoms may appear 1 to 3 weeks after unprotected sexual intercourse, however, even if there are no apparent signs and symptoms, the person can transmit the bacteria.
If chlamydia infection in women is not identified, it is possible that the bacteria spread through the uterus and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is one of the main causes of infertility and miscarriage in women. Find out more about DIP.
In the case of men, if the infection is not identified and treated, the bacteria responsible for chlamydia can cause orchitis, which is inflammation of the testicles, which can interfere with sperm production. See more details about orchitis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of chlamydia is made by a urologist or gynecologist based on observation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person. However, to confirm the infection, laboratory tests are normally requested, mainly the analysis of vaginal or penile secretion and a urine test, to identify the presence of the bacteria.
Since chlamydia does not cause symptoms in some cases, it is recommended that people over 25 years of age, with an active sex life and with more than 1 partner be tested for STIs regularly and that women should be tested at least once. per year or as advised by the gynecologist.
After becoming pregnant, it is also advised to be tested for chlamydia and other infections, to check if there is any infection at the time and, thus, be able to start treatment immediately to reduce the chance of transmitting it to the baby during pregnancy or birth. .
Consult your nearest doctor to investigate the possibility of chlamydia and begin the most appropriate treatment:
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How transmission happens
Chlamydia is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, which can be transmitted through sexual intercourse without a condom, whether oral, vaginal or rectal. Therefore, people who have several sexual partners are at greater risk of having the disease.
Furthermore, chlamydia can also pass from mother to child during childbirth, when the pregnant woman has the infection and has not received adequate treatment.
Risks of chlamydia during pregnancy
Chlamydia infection during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, fetal death, and endometritis. As this disease can pass to the baby during natural birth, it is important to carry out tests that can diagnose this disease during prenatal care and follow the treatment recommended by the obstetrician.
The baby affected during birth may have complications such as conjunctivitis or chlamydial pneumonia and these diseases can also be treated with antibiotics recommended by the pediatrician.
How the treatment is carried out
Chlamydia treatment involves the use of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, such as Azithromycin in a single dose or Doxycycline for 7 days, or as indicated by your doctor. It is recommended to continue treatment even if there are no more apparent signs and symptoms, as this ensures that the bacteria have been eliminated.
It is important that the treatment is carried out by both the person carrying the bacteria and the sexual partner, even if sexual contact was carried out with a condom. Furthermore, it is recommended that you not have sexual intercourse during treatment to avoid recurrence of the infection. See more details about chlamydia treatment.
With appropriate treatment it is possible to completely eradicate the bacteria, but if other complications arise, such as pelvic inflammatory disease or infertility, they can be permanent.
When is it possible to have sexual intercourse again?
It is recommended that the person only have sexual relations again after the treatment has ended. If the use of antibiotics was indicated for 7 days, sexual intercourse may resume after this period. If a single dose of antibiotics has been recommended, it is recommended that the person wait 7 days after using the medication to have sexual intercourse again.
Is there a cure for chlamydia?
Chlamydia can be easily cured by taking antibiotics for 7 days. However, to ensure healing, during this period it is advised to avoid unprotected intimate contact.
Even in people with HIV, the infection can be cured in the same way, with no need for another type of treatment or hospitalization.
Bibliography
- NHS UK. Symptoms -Chlamydia. Available at: <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/symptoms/>. Accessed on 06 Sep 2023
- CDC. Chlamydia – CDC Basic Fact Sheet. Available at: <https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm>. Accessed on 06 Sep 2023
