Chlamydia
About Chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If transmitted by
sexual contact, the bacteria can infect the urinary and genital organs.
The term chlamydia typically refers to the STD Chlamydia trachomatis, although two other species of these bacteria can also
lead to illness: Chlamydia pneumoniae, which can be spread by coughing and sneezing, and Chlamydia psittaci, which
Birds can be transferred to humans. This article refers specifically to the STD.
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics but often causes no symptoms, so someone can be infected without knowing it
it. Untreated infections can lead to serious health problems such as infertility, so it is important for sexually
active adolescents for chlamydia is tested at least once a year by a doctor. It is also important to take for them to
Precautions to prevent chlamydia, and if they think they have contracted the infection, the treatment as soon as search
possible.
Symptoms
In many cases, chlamydia causes only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. So an infection can last for weeks or months
before it is discovered.
In women, chlamydia symptoms can include:
vaginal irritation
Outflow
Pain in the abdomen
burning sensation when urinating
Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervix, vagina affect the uterus,
Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Sometimes PID causes no symptoms, more often, it causes abdominal or back pain,
Painful urination, pain during intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or fever.
Untreated chlamydia or PID infections in women can lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to serious
health problems such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility or ectopic pregnancy (tubal) pregnancy.
Just as with women, chlamydia may cause no symptoms in men. Those who might have the symptoms discharge from the
Tip of the penis and a burning sensation when urinating. Untreated infections can lead to epididymitis, an inflammation lead
of the coils in the back of the testis. This can result in testicular swelling, pain, and even infertility.
Contagiousness
Chlamydia is contagious. It can be transmitted through sexual contact via semen and vaginal secretions.
Chlamydia not through casual contact such as shaking hands or using the same toilet as someone is widespread
infected. When someone is diagnosed with chlamydia, should be to teach and treat all sexual partners the person concerned
with antibiotics, even if they have no symptoms, so they do not develop any long-term complications or dissemination
the infection to others.
Treatment
If detected early, chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics and the symptoms within 7 to 10 days to be alleviated.
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious complications that appear months or even years after the person
infected.
Drugs are effective against chlamydia, but once treated, people are encouraged to be tested again
Chlamydia about 3 months later. This is because up to 20% of women chlamydia are exposed again and must
withdrawn. The most common reason for re-exposure is a sexual partner that has not been adequately treated.
The sexual partners of anyone (or is thought to have) has chlamydia or other STD should be examined and treated.
Those diagnosed with an STD should their partner, so that they can be investigated as soon as possible and inform
are treated to prevent complications and avoid spreading of infection.
Prevention
Since Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact, the best way to prevent this is to abstain from sex. Sexual
Contact with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one partner increases the risk of a
STD.
Once sexual activity is part of a young person's life, it is important to be screened for chlamydia annually by a medical
Provider. This is important, if symptoms of an infection are present.
Moreover, when properly and consistently used, condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia. Latex condoms
greater protection than natural-membrane condoms. The female condom, made of polyurethane, is also known as
effective against STDs.
Although birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, they may offer some protection against PID by
the body in order, making it more difficult for bacteria to reach the cervical mucus thicker the upper genital tract.
With showers can actually increase a female risk of STDs because it can change the natural flora of the
Vagina and may flush bacteria higher into the genital tract.
A teen who is being treated for chlamydia should also be tested for other STDs, and should have time alone with the
Doctor to openly discuss issues like sexual activity. Not all teens to be comfortable talking with parents about these
Problems. But it is important to encourage them to talk to a trusted adult who can provide facts.
Get help
If your child is thinking of getting sexually active or already has started having sex, is it important to talk about it.
Make sure your child knows how to spread sexually transmitted diseases (during anal, oral, or vaginal sex), and that they often do not have
Symptoms, so a partner might have an STD without knowing it.
It can be difficult to talk about STDs, but as with any other medical issue, teens need this information to stay
safe and healthy. Give the facts and let your child know where you stand.
It is also important that all teens have regular full physical exams - which can screening for sexually transmitted diseases. Your teen
Maybe you want a gynecologist or a specialist in adolescent medicine, see talk about sexual health issues. Community
Health organizations and sexual health in your area may provide guidance.