Browsing: Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Both men and women can develop the infection. Women can develop it in the cervix, rectum, or throat. Men can get it in the urethra, rectum, or throat. Symptoms are not clear and you may not realize that you have it.

The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for Chlamydia infection are azithromycin and doxycycline. Your doctor may give you other antibiotics if you have an allergy to these medicines or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You may experience some side effects during the treatment. But these are generally mild.

People with chlamydia often don’t have any symptoms. If you have chlamydia symptoms, they can take several weeks to show up. Most people don’t know they have it. If you do notice signs of chlamydia, contact your healthcare provider. Common signs are pain during urination and sex, abdomen pain, discharge from vagina or penis.

The most commonly used diagnostic test for chlamydia is the swab test which involves swabbing of the vagina in women. In men, testing of the urine is done. If there’s a chance the infection is present in the anus or throat, swabbing of these portions may be done too.

Chlamydia trachomatis is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. It generally spreads through vaginal, oral and anal sex. A child can get it from a mother during delivery also. The infection is most common among sexually active persons before the age of 25. Unprotected sex increases the risk of developing it.

Chlamydia complications generally affect women more than men. In women, untreated Chlamydia infection can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease. It may then cause damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and other reproductive organs. This can also lead to infertility.