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Chlamydia
What is chlamydia and how is it transmitted?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium called chlamydia trachomatis, which may be present in semen or vaginal fluids. It can be passed on easily by vaginal and anal sex and there is a smaller risk from oral sex.
On rare occasions, the infection can by passed through hands coming into contact with the genitals and then the eyes.
In the UK, it is the most common STD . Recent statistics show that approximately 1 percent of the population have the infection, but it is difficult to put an accurate figure on it as it often goes undiagnosed.
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What does chlamydia look like?
You are unlikely to find chlamydia pictures on the internet as it is often symptomless and does not cause any physical signs of infection. Therefore, it is important that you familiarise yourself with your risk factor (see below – 'should I get a chlamydia test?') and get tested accordingly.
Chlamydia symptoms in men
Signs of the infection generally appear within a month. But in some instances it may be months before anything seems amiss, and half of men with chlamydia show no symptoms at all.
Things to look out for are:
• discharge from the head of the penis
• pain when urinating
• swollen testicles or testicular discomfort
Chlamydia symptoms in women
As with men, it typically takes one to three weeks for symptoms to appear although sometimes it may be many months. But worryingly, three quarters of women with chlamydia are symptomless so will never know they have the infection unless they get tested.
Here are the signs you can look out for:
• unusual vaginal discharge
• pain when urinating or frequent urination
• abdominal pain
• a mild fever
Associated health problems and complications of chlamydia
Chlamydia is considered a very serious STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) because it is frequently symptomless and can cause complications if not diagnosed and treated quickly.
In women, the infection can spread to the cervix and fallopian tubes and can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In the worst case scenario, this can leave a woman infertile. If a woman becomes pregnant while infected with chlamydia, she is at increased risk of the pregnancy being ectopic and possibly also miscarriage, still births, a low-birthweight baby and bleeding. Their baby may also develop health problems such as chlamydia pneumonia if exposed to the infection in the birth canal.
Clinical studies have also suggested a link between chlamydia and cervical cancer, but this has not yet been proven conclusively.
In men, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis which may eventually lead to sterility. Rectal bleeding can also occur.
Should I get a chlamydia test?
Chlamydia is most common amongst people in their late teens and early twenties. If you are sexually active and under the age of 25 it is believed that your chances of having the infection are approximately one in ten. Over the age of 25, you are most at risk if you have recently changed partner or have had more than one partner in the last year.
In women, the test used to be performed by a nurse in a similar way to a smear test. However, the chlamydia test is now much less invasive and can be performed on either a urine sample or a swab of the vagina, which the woman can do herself.
In men, the chlamydia test can be done on a urine sample.
If you are in a relationship, both partners should always get an STD test as a precaution before stopping the use of condoms.
Chlamydia Treatment
Treatment of chlamydia can be done by antibiotics (doxycycline, deteclo and erythromycin) which will often cure the infection completely. Intercourse should be avoided until the course of antibiotics has been completed and a re-test has given the 'all clear'. Unfortunately, if the infection went undiagnosed with a long time and has caused complications, these cannot be reversed.
Current and recent sexual partners should also be given treatment for the infection. Understandably, most people find it difficult to bring up the subject of STIs with previous sexual partners. A sexual health advisor can give support and advice and some clinics will send out letters on a patient's behalf.
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