Chlamydia is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, arising from a bacterium known as chlamydia trachomatis. While it can affect both men and women, the infection rate among women is said to be higher than among men. A distinguishing characteristic of chlamydia lies in the bacterium’s developmental cycle. This post examines the fundamentals of this condition, such as its common causes, symptoms in men and women, diagnostic tests, and available treatment options.

Causes and risk factors
Chlamydia trachomatis, a particular strain of bacteria, is responsible for causing the sexually transmitted infection in both men and women. The transmission occurs through vaginal discharge or semen. It can happen during genital contact or through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse. Transmission from mother to baby is also possible during childbirth. Individuals under 25 are particularly susceptible, and having multiple partners increases the risk.

Symptoms in men
The condition can manifest differently in men and women. Here are the potential symptoms in men:

Burning during urination
Yellow or green penile discharge
Lower abdominal pain
Testicular pain

Symptoms in women
Chlamydia can adversely affect pregnancy and fertility in women. The common symptoms to watch out for in women include the following:

Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vaginal discharge
Burning sensation during urination
Lower abdominal pain
Cervical inflammation (cervicitis)
Bleeding between periods

Surprisingly, 40 to 90 percent of individuals with this disease may not exhibit symptoms at the onset. Since chlamydia is often asymptomatic, it is known as a “silent infection.”

Diagnostic tests
It is crucial to seek treatment promptly upon suspicion of the infection. Individuals should undergo screening even if no signs of infection are evident, as chlamydia often emerges silently. Regular screening is particularly crucial for those in the high-risk group. The primary test used to detect chlamydia is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Furthermore, vaginal swabs and urine samples are taken for effective diagnosis in women and men, respectively. Once diagnosed, a person should refrain from intercourse to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Management and prevention
Fortunately, chlamydia can be easily cured. Doctors may prescribe a single dose or a seven-day course of bacteria-fighting treatments. To prevent chlamydia, one should take the following measures:

Use barrier methods with new partners.
Regularly get tested for STIs when starting new relationships.
Consider using protection during oral activity or avoiding it altogether.

Chlamydia can be cured with a treatment course lasting one to two weeks. Still, individuals who are sexually active and aged below 25 should undergo an annual check-up at a hospital. The risk of infection rises with unprotected intercourse, especially with multiple partners. Frequent changes in partners may necessitate more frequent visits to the doctor.

Those diagnosed with the disease should carefully follow the instructions of the doctor. If any treatment has side effects, one should report it immediately. In such a situation, the expert may revise the dosage, change the treatment, or suggest another solution. Patients should maintain personal hygiene at all times and avoid experimenting with treatment measures.