Chlamydia
January 17th, 2006
Chlamydia Infection
Chlamydia Treatment
There are several different subgroups of the bacteria known as chlamydia.
The commonest cause for problems in humans is one called Chlamydia Trachomatis.
Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the sexually transmitted version of chlamydia. Other chlaymydia bugs are responsible for pneumonia or other chest infections.
Chlamydia is not like other bacteria. It can be present in your body for a long time without you knowing about it or feeling ill. It grows inside your body cells but does not kill or damage these cells – so when it multiplies it can move on elsewhere and repeat the process
Chlamydia Trachomatis Sexual Infection or STD is the commonest bacterial sexual infection in the USA and the UK. Four million new chlamydia infections occur every year in the USA – mostly in young people. It is spread by sexual contact and can be transmitted by oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Both men and women can become chronically infected by this kind of chlamydia. It infects the cervix and womb in women and the prostate gland or testicle tubes in men. It can also cause eye infections if the bacteria comes into contact with the eyes. If a baby is born to a woman with chlamydia infection then it is very likely that the baby will develop an eye infection – or, in 20% of cases – a severe pneumonia.
Chlamydia Signs and Chlamydia Symptoms
75% of women with active chlamydia infection have no signs or symptoms at all.
50% of men with active chlamydia infection have no signs or symptoms at all.
This is why chlamydia is known as the silent disease.
In people who have any symptoms they are often mild and may go unnoticed. Those carrying chlamydia infections can experience a flare up at any time which may suddenly make them ill or may cause them to develop signs of the disease. This can happen months after the actual infection takes place
Chlamydia symptoms in women include irritation or itch in the vagina. Discharge from the vagina may be seen.
Chlamydia symptoms in men are discharge from the tip of the penis and burning when passing urine.
Chlamydia Treatment
Treatment is very important.
If women have chlamydia and are not treated then they can develop pelvic infection around the tubes and the ovaries. This often leads to infertility. There is also a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy or pregancy in the tube in women who have suffered chlamydia pelvic infection
In men the chlamydia infection causes swelling and pain in the tubes around the testicle.
Babies with chlamydia infection develop eye infections or pneumonia.
Spread of chlamydia infection
Chlamydia is very infections. It spread through semen and through vaginal moisture. If you have chlamydia then you need treatment – but so do all of your recent sex partners: even if they do not have any symptoms at all.
Chlamydia does not spread through contact such as touching hands or from the toilet seat.
If you have concerns that you might have been exposed to chlamydia then seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment is easy and you could be saving yourself from a lot of problems in the future. You might also save the life or the health of any children you might have.
Read more about chlamydia by following these links
Womens Health Gov site details on Chlamydia Infection
Entry Filed under: General Interest
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