Index
Definition:
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a germ (bacteria) called Chlamydia trachomatis.
In women, it usually affects the cervix (cervix) and the womb (uterus), and in men, it usually harms the tube through which the urine (urethra) passes into the penis. Chlamydia sometimes causes infections in the eyes, throat, and lungs.
If symptoms occur in women, they may include:
- Vaginal discharge This is due to the neck of the womb (cervix) as it becomes inflamed.
- Pain or burning when urinating.
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods. In particular, I am bleeding after having sex.
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (abdomen) (the pelvis) area), especially when you have sex.
If symptoms occur in men, they may include:
- Pain or burning when urinating.
- Secretion of the end of your penis.
- Pain or discomfort at the end of your penis.
What is the treatment for chlamydia?
The treatment for chlamydia must begin without delay. In some people, where chlamydia is strongly suspected, this may even mean starting the treatment before the test results are available.
Timely treatment reduces the risk of complications in the future. With a short course of antibiotic medication, the infection usually disappears.
You should inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This can affect the choice of antibiotics. You should not have sexual intercourse until after the treatment has ended.
Should I treat my partner?
Yes. In addition, other sexual partners within the previous six months should also be tested. If you have not had sex in the last six months, your most recent sexual partner should be examined and treated.
If your sexual partner is infected and untreated, chlamydia can be transmitted to you after receiving the treatment.
Why should I have a treatment if I do not have symptoms?
If you are infected with chlamydia, you must take the treatment even with no symptoms. The reasons for this are:
The infection can spread and cause serious complications. This can be months or years after being infected for the first time.
Even if you have no symptoms, you can still transmit the infection to your sexual partner (s).
Is the analysis necessary again after treatment?
Usually, it is unnecessary to have another test if you have taken an antibiotic correctly. However, it is advisable to have another chlamydia test in the following situations:
- If you think you have had sex with a person with chlamydia.
- If your symptoms do not improve after treatment.
- If you had unprotected sex before the treatment ended.
What are the possible complications of chlamydia?
If left untreated, the infection can seriously affect the womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes; this is called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can develop suddenly, causing high temperature (fever) and pain.
It can also be triggered slowly over months or years without causing symptoms. However, over time, scarring or damage to the fallopian tubes can cause:
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Difficulty getting pregnant (infertility).
- If you become pregnant, you have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. In this condition, the pregnancy develops in a fallopian tube and can cause serious problems that threaten your baby’s life.
- The risk of developing some pregnancy complications, such as miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
