CHLAMYDIA

Over the last few weeks, we have focused on different types of STIs/STDs, today our discussion will be on Chlamydia. Chlamydia is caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis, which is spread through unprotected sexual contact such as anal, oral or vaginal sex, and from an infected mother to child during pregnancy. This disease can also be passed on when an individual’s eyes come in contact with infected semen or vaginal fluid. Various studies on the mode of transmission of the disease have concluded that it cannot spread through kissing, hugging or using the same toilet as an infected person.

Research has shown that 90% of women and 70% of men with chlamydia are asymptomatic, thus, they may not show any symptom of the disease. However, men who show symptoms may have a burning sensation when urinating, white, cloudy or watery discharge from the penis and painful or swollen testicles.

In females, symptoms can include abnormal vaginal discharge which may be watery and yellow or green in colour, painful or burning sensation when urinating, lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding which is very much different from menstruation and painful sexual intercourse. If the bacteria happens to infect the rectum, it often leads to anal itching, discharge, soreness, bleeding and painful bowel movements. If the bacteria happens to infect the eyes, it leads to a condition called conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the eyes).

Although many infected persons do not show symptoms, undiagnosed and untreated chlamydia can lead to permanent damage of the reproductive system and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) causing pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the womb), infertility in women and reactive arthritis (inflammation of the joints) in both women and men.  During pregnancy, it can lead to babies born with conjunctivitis which can cause permanent vision damage if untreated.

It has been reported that individuals who have been infected with chlamydia are at risk of contracting HIV. In men, the disease can cause prostate gland infection (prostatitis) and testicular infection (epididymitis), leading to painful ejaculation and swollen testicles respectively.

It is therefore recommended that every sexually active person should do a routine STI/STD test to know their status and get early treatment. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers can be treated with antibiotics, when it is detected that they may have contracted the disease. Chlamydia can be effectively treated through the use of antibiotics provided to patients upon diagnosis. Even though treatment is effective, reinfection is also a huge possibility. That is to say that chlamydia can be contracted by someone who’s had the infection once before and successfully treated it. 

 To lower your chances of infection, you should embark on the following measures;

1. Again, abstinence is the only effective way to prevent the spread of STDs, especially for young and unmarried persons.

2. Reduce your number of sexual partners to one who has been tested for chlamydia and does not have chlamydia

3. Use a new condom each time you have sex and be sure to wear it correctly.

4. Seek medical care during pregnancy.

5. Get tested and treated for other STDs and encourage your partners to do the same.

Do join us in our subsequent posts as we discuss other STIs, their psychological implications and preventive measures as well as the treatment options that are available to combat STDs.