Over 1.7 million cases of Chlamydia were reported in the year 2017 alone.
What is Chlamydia?
This is a bacteria infection that is mostly passed from one person to another through sexual intercourse. It can be transmitted through oral, anal or vagina sex. Chlamydia is one of the 4 most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world that is curable.
What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia?
In most men and women chlamydia do not show any symptoms as such unless when tested some people could be infected without even knowing they are. But for those who do experience some symptoms, the following are signs you may be infected with chlamydia.
In men;
- Burning sensation when urinating.
- Swelling and pain in the testicle.
- Pain the abdomen.
- Discharge from the penis (milky or greenish).
- Rectal pain and bleeding if chlamydia is in the rectum.
In women the symptoms of a chlamydia infection include;
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Bleeding in-between periods.
- Abdominal pain.
- Pain during sex.
- Cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix).
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Rectal pain and bleeding if chlamydia is in the rectum.
- Sore throat, cough and fever if it is gotten through oral sex.
Who is at risk of Chlamydia?
People who are sexually active are mainly at risk of chlamydia both male and female from ages 15 – 30. Also at birth newborns can get chlamydia from their mothers. That is why it is advised that during pregnancy a chlamydia test be carried out.
How Is Chlamydia Diagnosed?
A physical examination can give your doctor an idea if you are infected with chlamydia. But for him to be certain, he would order a Urine test to be conducted or the discharge swabbed either the penis, vagina or rectum. The throat can also be swabbed and then tested in the laboratory.
What is the treatment for Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a bacteria infection, so treatment requires doses of antibacterial drugs that would kill the chlamydia. Some of the drugs include;
- Azithromycin.
- Doxycycline.
- Flagyl.
NOTE: it is important to complete full treatment in other to fully eliminate the infection.
What Happens if Chlamydia is left untreated?
For men, when chlamydia is left untreated, it could lead to several complications which include;
- Epididymitis: Which is an inflammation of the epididymis, the tube holding the testicles. This condition can cause serious pain and discomfort to the person.
- Chlamydia Urethritis: This is an inflammation of the urethra which causes pain in the lower abdomen and discharge in the penis.
For women, an untreated chlamydia infection could cause several complications.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- The fallopian tubes can become adversely affected leading to infertility.
How can Chlamydia be prevented?
- Not having multiple sexual partners would reduce your chances of being infected.
- Proper use of male or female condoms during sex.
- Regular testing or screening (at least once a year).
