Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that’s easily cured with antibiotic medicine. It’s one of the most common STDs, and most people who have chlamydia don’t show any symptoms. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, whether vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection is carried in semen, pre-cum, and vaginal fluids. Chlamydia bacteria can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, anus, urethra, eyes, and throat. Majority of people with this infection don’t have any symptoms and feel totally good, so they might not even know they’re infected by chlamydia.
Chlamydia bacteria, also known as Chlamydia Trachomatis, is a genital infection which is most commonly transmitted sexually.
This infection was discovered when three scientists decided to travel to the island of Java to investigate the pathogen that causes syphilis. Initially, it was believed that Chlamydia was a virus, however, it was later realized that it is actually a gram-negative bacterium without peptidoglycan.
Its symptoms (discussed later in this article) are noticed in the period of one to three weeks after the infection is contacted. However, some studies show that some patients do not experience any symptoms of this infection. Of a truth, chlamydia poses a huge challenge to many a researcher and health experts. Its real position is a confusing one, as there is no straightjacket analysis to give to it. What remains factual is that this bacterial infection does exist.
The female gender happens to be the more common victim of this bacterial infection, a reason there are more symptoms for females than male, as you will discover as you keep reading. In women, Chlamydia’s symptoms include cramps and pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge, and burning sensation while urinating. Still, only 20%, research says, of all infected women experience these symptoms. The other 80% feel absolutely nothing until the time when the infection spreads and causes pelvic inflammatory disease or in some cases, infertility. How sad! If Chlamydia is left untreated, the fallopian tubes can get damaged, causing miscarriage and even the death of the affected woman. Males do miss the symptoms of this infection too. In cases where the symptoms aren`t missed, the common symptoms experienced by males are penile discharge, testicular tenderness and painful urination combined with burning or itching. If left untreated, this infection in males can lead to sterility and prostate, or rectum inflammation.
Chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. But if you don’t treat chlamydia, it may lead to more complicated health challenges in the future. The sooner you know you have chlamydia, the faster you can cure it. Using condoms is a way to prevent chlamydia.
How Do People Even Get this Infection?
Chlamydia, transmitted during sex, is not restricted by the absence of cums. Yes, it can be transmitted even when the infected person doesn`t cum. An uncommon mode of transmission is by touching the eyes with a hand that has the infected fluid. Chlamydia can also be transmitted to a baby during birth if the mother has the infection. Chlamydia isn’t contacted through sharing of food or drinks, kissing, hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, or sitting on the toilet. So that you do not get unnecessary paranoid, we will run through everyday things we do that will not expose you to chlamydia.
- Contact with a toilet seat that has been used by an infected person
- Sharing a meal with infected people
- Sharing a swimming pool with infected people
- Touching a surface that an infected person had severally touched or coughed/sneezed on
- Standing close to an infected person, inhaling the air after they have coughed or sneezed
- Sharing an office with an infected colleague
All these listed above won`t expose you to chlamydia.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Women
- Abdominal pain
- Large quantities of vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling and yellow
- Bleeding between periods
- Low-grade fever
- Painful intercourse
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Burning with urination
- Swelling in the vagina or around the anus.
- Urinating more often
Symptoms of Chlamydia in Men
- Pain and burning with urination
- Penile discharge (pus, watery, or milky discharge)
- Testicle swelling and tenderness
Treating Chlamydia
- Using antibiotics is a proven way to cure chlamydia. It is advisable to avoid sex for about a week until this treatment has been completed.
- Infected persons should be tested for Gonorrhea syphilis and HIV.
- Tests should be run three months after treatment
Let`s take a look at recommended antibiotics to treat chlamydia and their side effects.
Prescribed Antibiotics and their Side Effects
Azithromycin
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, liver problems, stomach pain, tiredness or weakness, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, allergic reaction, trouble breathing, heart issues, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Doxycycline
Loss of appetite, hives, sensitivity to the sun, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramping and pain, dehydration, weight loss, headache, high blood pressure, blurry vision, vomiting nausea, anemia and irritation of the esophagus.
Levofloxacin
Severe allergic reactions resulting in rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing or swallowing, tightness in the chest or throat, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, bloody or tarry stools, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, mood changes including suicidal thoughts or actions, blood sugar changes, liver problems, bruising or bleeding, and vaginal discharge.
Erythromycin
Bloody or watery diarrhea, headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat, hearing problems, liver problems, loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stools, severe skin reactions, swelling of face or tongue and red or purple rashes.
Preventing Chlamydia
A major and sure way of preventing chlamydia is through the avoidance of having multiple sex partners and using condoms when unsure of one`s partner. In addition to this, the following categories of people should do a screening at least once every year to ensure they are chlamydia-free.
- Sexually active women under age 25
- Women over 25 who have multiple sexual partners
- Women whose sexual partners may have multiple sexual partners
- Pregnant women in an early stage of the pregnancy, and in their third trimester
Are there Natural Treatments?
Yes, the following will treat chlamydia.
Oil of Oregano
This natural infection fighter is effective in treating chlamydia. Adults can take 45 mg capsules daily, however, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid oregano oil.
Probiotics
Yes, probiotic-rich foods will help treat chlamydia. It is important to note that when treating chlamydia, natural treatments take longer than antibiotics.
What about Infected Babies?
As earlier discussed, chlamydia can be transmitted from a mother to her newborn. This could be pathetic. This infection can come in the form of pneumonia or conjunctivitis and will manifest in the first ten days of the baby’s life.
Fortunately, a test was developed to detect this infection in babies, and women who just had children, This way, through early detection, curative measures can be implemented to avoid a worsened scenario.
Final Words…
*Sighs* Well, you have seen it all; unprotected sex with multiple partners is unhealthy. What else? It is not even worth the risk. Why endanger your life. We also cannot overemphasize the importance of regular checkups. Isn`t it sad to know that there is an infection which can affect one for so long without symptoms? That is scary. But with regular checkups and consistent reading of articles like this, you are more assured of a better health. So there really is no need to worry. Remember, prevention is a better option.
