CHLAMYDIA

Introduction

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. When transmitted through sexual contact, the bacteria can infect the urinary and reproductive organs.

The term Chlamydia typically refers to sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia trachomatis, although two other types of these bacteria also can lead to illness: Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can be spread through coughing and sneezing, and Chlamydia psittaci, birds can pass to humans. This article refers specifically to sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, but often has no symptoms, so someone can be infected without knowing it. Treatment of Chlamydia infections can lead to serious health problems, including infertility, so it is important that sexually active adolescents be screened for Chlamydia at least once a year by a health professional. It is also important to take precautions to prevent Chlamydia, and if suspected, seek treatment as soon as possible. (Everett 415)

Symptoms

In many cases, Chlamydia causes only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. So an infection can last for weeks or months before being discovered.

In women, symptoms of Chlamydia may include:

vaginal irritation

Vaginal discharge

abdominal pain

burning urination

Chlamydia Symptoms

Women

No symptoms in 70-80% of cases

Bleeding after intercourse or between menstrual periods

Lower abdominal pain and pain or burning when urinating

Vaginal discharge

Men

Like women, men who are infected may have no symptoms.

Estimates of those who have no symptoms ranging from 25% to 50% of infected men.

Discharge from the penis or pain, burning urination

Inflammation and infection of a duct in the testicles, tenderness or pain in the testicles

Untreated Chlamydia can direct to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. In some cases, the EIP has no symptoms, but often causes back pain or lower abdomen, painful urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or fever. (Team 12)

If Chlamydia infection or PID in women are not treated, can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to other serious health problems such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility or ectopic (tubal).

As in women, Chlamydia can be completely without symptoms in men. When present in men, Chlamydia symptoms can include discharge from the tip of the penis and a burning sensation during urination. Untreated infections can lead to epididymitis, an inflammation of the spiral tubes in the back of the testicles. This can result in testicular swelling, pain and even infertility.

Contagious

Chlamydia is contagious. It can be spread by sexual contact, semen and vaginal secretions. Chlamydia is not transmitted through casual contact such as shaking hands or toilet himself as someone who is infected. If someone is diagnosed with Chlamydia, all partners of the person must be notified and treated with antibiotics, even if they have any symptoms, so it did not have any long-term complications or spread the infection to others. (Schechter 1501)

Treatment

If detected early, Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics and relieve symptoms within 7 to 10 ...