Overview of Common STDs: Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common forms of STD around. Data from the National Disease and Therapeutic Index estimates over 1.2 million people were infected with the bacteria in 2009 alone.

The rate of infection is increasing. In 1997 there were 537,904 reported cases, which is 205.5 cases per 100,000 people. By 2009 that had more than doubled to 1,244,180 total cases, which is 409.2 per 100,000.

The bacteria has no preference as to host, but the social habits of race plays a part.The rate of chlamydia among African Americans was 8 times higher than that in whites. Rates among American Indians and Hispanics were also higher than among whites. You may also want to check for the symptoms of HIV/AIDS because many times people get the symptoms confused.

While there can be assumptions made about our social fabric, the increases are attributed in part to better detection and screening. So actual cases may not have increased at this rate, only the detection of them.

Symptoms

The main problem with chlamydia is that it’s often asymptomatic. There are no real pointers towards an infection in the vast majority of cases. Those that do display symptoms can be quickly and easily treated using drugs.

Symptoms in Women

• Increased vaginal discharge
• Needing to urinate more frequently, or pain whilst passing urine
• Pain during intercourse or bleeding afterwards
• Lower abdominal pains
• Irregular menstrual bleeding.

Symptoms in Men

• White, cloudy,watery discharge from the penis
• Burning sensation or pain when passing urine
• Pain and swelling in the testicles.

Transmission and Treatment

Chlamydia is an STD, so it is mainly transmitted through sex. Unprotected sex is the most common cause but it’s possible to pass it from mother to unborn child.

Those who think they may have the infection should visit their physician or clinic right away. There is a simple test using a urine sample that will indicate the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Once identified, treatment should begin right away.

The standard treatment is a course of antibiotics. If the patient follows the instructions, the drug treatment is over 95 percent effective. For those allergic to antibiotics, or pregnant other drugs may be necessary.

Once the course has been complete, another test will need to be carried out to ensure the bacteria is no longer present.

Complications

If left untreated, chlamydia can cause a series of problems those who have the infection. There are different complications for men and women.

Women

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, or premature birth. If the fallopian tubes are scarred, it can also lead to problems with fertility.
• Cervicitis, which is an inflammation of the cervix. This can lead to pelvic pain and persistent backache.

Men

• Epididymitis, which is a painful inflammation of the tubes that are part of the testicles. This can lead to infertility.
• Urethritis. An inflammation of the urethra causing a yellow or clear pus-like discharge to collect at the tip of the penis. This can lead to a permanent narrowing of the urethra, which can affect the ability to urinate properly.
• Reactive arthritis. This causes the inflammation of the joints, urethra and eyes.