Chlamydia
Chlamydia
Description of chlamydia
Chlamydia – bacterial infection, related to infections, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). This is one of the most common STDs. Chlamydia is the most common among sexually active adolescents and young adults.
Causes of chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium, It called Chlamydia infection (Chlamydia trachomatis). It is transmitted from an infected partner during sex. Infection can occur during oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Risk Factors for Chlamydia
Factors, that may increase the risk of chlamydia include:
- Sexual activity;
- Age: 15-25 years;
- Multiple sexual partners;
- Sex without a condom;
- The presence of disease in the past, sexually transmitted.
Symptoms of chlamydia
Most often, the patient has no symptoms, and many people do not even know, they are infected. If there are symptoms, they may appear within 1-3 weeks after infection and can be very similar to another STD: gonorrhea.
Symptoms of genital infections include:
Men:
- White or clear discharge from the penis;
- Pain during urination.
Women:
- Increased or abnormal vaginal discharge;
- Urodynia;
- Unusual vaginal bleeding;
- Pain or bleeding during or after sex;
- Abdominal pain.
Pregnant women can transmit chlamydia to their newborns. This may occur during delivery and cause the child vision problems, eg, conjunctivitis,and pneumonia. Detection and treatment of chlamydia during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk to the child.
Diagnosis of chlamydia
The doctor will look for bacteria, pathogens. Special swab can be collected samples of discharge from the penis or cervix. They may also be required urine samples. If necessary, it can be carried out tests for the presence of chlamydial infection in the throat or anus.
It can also be analyzed to search for other STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydial infection is treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics following:
- Azithromycin, eg, Zithromax or retard Zetamaks;
- Doxycycline, eg, Vybramytsyn.
In order to ensure successful treatment:
- Important, were treated to both partners. Wait, at least seven days, before you have sex again;
- Take all medications as directed by your doctor;
- If symptoms persist after chlamydia treatment, or if you are pregnant, may need further analysis;
- Three months after the treatment carried out repeated analyzes, to ensure the absence of Chlamydia.
Chlamydia can cause serious problems:
Complications of chlamydia in men:
Untreated infections can lead to problems with various organs:
- Testicles – swelling of the testicles, which can lead to infertility;
- Urethra – Handset, through which urine leaves the body may appear scars, making it difficult to urinate;
- Prostate – swelling of the prostate;
- Joints and eyes – joint pain is only one symptom of the disorder, which is called Reiter's syndrome, and also includes urethritis, arthritis, conjunctivitis (pink eyes).
Complications of chlamydia in women:
Untreated infections can lead to the following disorders:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease – may increase the risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy;
- The emergence of infections, which extends into the abdominal cavity.
If you are diagnosed with chlamydia, Follow your doctor's instructions.
Prevention of chlamydia
The best way to avoid STDs – avoid sex. If you are sexually active, You can help prevent chlamydia, following certain rules:
- Always use a latex condom during sex. Other contraceptives also can provide some protection, but condoms are the safest way to protect yourself from STIs;
- Undergo regular tests for sexually transmitted infections, if your age to 25 years;
- Come frequent inspections, if you have other risk factors for STIs;
- Monogamous relationship (one sexual partner) can significantly reduce the risk of STIs.
If you already have chlamydia, prevent spread of the infection by using the following steps:
- Check, that all sexual partners are tested and treated;
- Abstain from sexual activity for at least seven days after treatment.
