🦠 Chlamydia Infection – Overview
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect the genitals, rectum, eyes, and throat, and is especially prevalent in people aged 15–24. It often causes no symptoms, so many people may not know they’re infected.
🔍 How Is Chlamydia Transmitted?
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person
- From mother to baby during childbirth (can cause eye or lung infection in newborns)
- Direct contact with infected genital fluids
⚠️ Symptoms of Chlamydia
Most people are asymptomatic (have no symptoms), especially in early stages.
In Women:
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Burning during urination
- Painful sex
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
In Men:
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning during urination
- Pain or swelling in one or both testicles (less common)
In Both Sexes:
- Rectal infection: Pain, discharge, or bleeding
- Throat infection: Usually asymptomatic or mild sore throat
- Eye infection (conjunctivitis): Red, itchy, or painful eyes
🧪 Diagnosis
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) – most accurate test
- Urine sample or swab from cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat
- Screening recommended for:
- Sexually active women under 25
- Pregnant women
- People at high sexual risk
💊 Treatment
- Antibiotics:
- First-line: Doxycycline (7 days)
- Alternatives: Azithromycin (single dose) – used in pregnancy
- Sexual partners should also be treated
- No sex for 7 days after treatment begins
❗ Complications If Untreated
- In Women:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy
- In Men:
- Epididymitis (testicle inflammation)
- Reduced fertility
- In Both:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
🛡️ Prevention
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
- Get regular STI screenings
- Limit number of sexual partners
- Avoid sex until all partners are tested and treated