Series on sexually transmitted infections (STIs)- Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common STI. It is caused by bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis which can cause serious damage to the woman's reproductive presenting with little or no symptoms. Chlamydia is now the commonest bacterial STI. It can be contracted through oral, vaginal, anal sex and by the infant through vaginal delivery. The greater the number of sexual partners the higher the risk of contracting Chlamydia.

Symptoms-
Chlamydia is often a "silent" disease, as many as 80% of patients do not have symptoms.
In females, it may present as mild burning on urination, an abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal pain, fever, back pain, pain during intercourse or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
In males, it may present as discharge itching or burning in the penis.
If a person contracts Chlamydia during anal intercourse, it may present as rectal bleeding, rectal pain or discharge.

Chlamydia can lead to Inflammation and damage to the male or female reproductive organs and lead to male or female infertility. The presence of this infection increases the risk of contracting HIV, due to the damage that it causes in the reproductive tract ie eg cervix, uterus. There is also an increase risk of en ectopic pregnancy, that is a pregnancy located in the fallopian tubes which can be fatal.

Chlamydia can be diagnosed by simple laboratory tests ie cervical swab in the female and penile swab in the males.

It is treated with antibiotics ie. Azithromycin or Doxycycline are the commonest used and are very effective.

Prevention of this is by the use of a condom, which may offer some protection, (provided that the condom does not break during sex) or abstain from sexual intercourse, or be faithful to your partner in a mutually monogamous relationship.