In general, any pathology deteriorates the quality of life of human beings, however there are others that not only affect the individuality of the person, but also become a public health problem and one of them is chlamydia .
Due to the relevance of this topic for society in general, we share the following article where we explain what chlamydia is and what are the causes that lead to its appearance.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although it is currently also considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium that can occur in people of any age and any sex , being more common in the female sex. (1)
You should know: Most people with chlamydia infections do not show symptoms , constituting a serious public health problem. (two)
In this sense, there are specialized diagnostic tests that are carried out through a urinalysis, or in the case of women, a test through a swab that takes a sample of the discharge from the woman’s uterus, to rule out or confirm the presence of the bacterium. .
Why does chlamydia occur?
The infection or transmission of this disease can occur through various mechanisms , which we mention below:
1. Sexual relations
Sexual relations between heterosexual couples occur in one sense for the procreation of the human species and in another to satisfy the needs of sexual contact.
In this context, all people who are intimate with sexual partners who are infected with the bacteria are at risk of contracting the chlamydia infection ,
Note: Being so, promiscuity becomes perhaps one of the first risk factors for contracting chlamydia infection.
2. Pregnancy
Another way of transmitting this disease is through those women who are pregnant and infected with chlamydia and at the time of delivery, transmit it to the baby. (3)
You should know: This can additionally cause an eye infection in the baby , produce pneumonia and can also cause premature birth.
3. History of sexually transmitted diseases
If the patient has a history of chlamydial infection or any other sexually transmitted disease and has been successfully treated, he or she can be re-infected with this bacteria if they have sexual contact with another person who has it.
Recurrence of this pathology is also probable , even if your partner is or has received treatment, so it is advisable to perform the test again at the time indicated by your doctor.
To highlight: This sexually transmitted disease can occur in both heterosexual couples and homosexual couples .
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Infection by this bacterium causes characteristic symptoms in men and women , which we will mention below:
1. Pain during urination and during sexual intercourse
One of the first indications that you have a chlamydia infection is irritation, burning or pain when urinating due to the inflammation process that occurs along the urethra.
Another symptom in men consists of the presence of pain during sexual intercourse, since this bacterium infects the tube through which the spermatozoa travel.
You should know: This disease must be treated properly , since major health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease can occur in women , which can compromise the fallopian tubes. (4)
2. Abnormal discharge from the vagina and penis
Another of the characteristic symptoms in women is the continuous secretion of yellowish vaginal discharge , with a strong odor and even swelling. In men, a white or yellowish discharge from the penis can also occur, which can stain underwear.
Note: It is recommended that if your sexual partner has been diagnosed with this infection, perform the necessary tests to rule out or confirm that you also have it.
3. Testicular inflammation in men and bleeding in women
Another of the symptoms that frequently occurs in men is inflammation in the testicles with the consequent testicular pain. In women, periods of bleeding between menstrual periods or bleeding after sexual intercourse may occur .
To highlight: Chlamydia infection can cause other pathologies such as non-gonococcal and post-gonococcal urethritis, urethral syndrome in women, epididymitis, among others. (5)
How is the treatment to cure chlamydia?
Currently, there are several therapeutic intervention strategies for the treatment of chlamydia infection, which we mention below:
1. Drugs prescribed by a specialist
Early therapeutic treatment to treat chlamydia is through drug therapy using antibiotics such as doxycycline , twice daily for seven days, or azithromycin in a single dose. Your doctor will be able to tell you the best option . (6)
2. Use of condoms
The best strategy to avoid chlamydia infection is prevention. In this case, the use of condoms or condoms continues to be the most recommended option, especially in cases of casual encounters or patients with multiple sexual partners.
3. Sexual abstinence
A 100% safe method to avoid contracting this infection is not to have sexual intercourse (abstinence) .
In this sense, those men or women who want to have sexual relations and are not sure that their partner does not contain the infection , or does not have a condom available, it is best to abstain .
You should know: This bacterium only needs contact with the fluids of the sexual organs to transmit the infection, even during the practice of oral sex.
Key Findings
- Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis .
- Chlamydia in its initial stage usually does not have symptoms , it can even present asymptomatically.
- Chlamydia is a very common infection and occurs in people of any age and any gender.
- Chlamydia must be treated promptly and appropriately to avoid other health complications.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.