Quick Facts
Type:
Bacterial STD
Status:
Curable with antibiotics
Incubation:
1-3 weeks
Contagious:
Yes, through sexual contact
About This Disease
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It's one of the most frequently reported bacterial STIs worldwide. Many people with chlamydia experience no symptoms, which makes regular screening important for sexually active individuals.
Possible Causes
- Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner
- Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth
- Sharing sex toys that haven't been washed or covered with a new condom
Symptoms
Many people with chlamydia experience no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
In Women:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding between periods
In Men:
- Discharge from the penis
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding (if infected through anal sex)
Prevention
Medical Prevention
- Consistent and correct use of condoms
- Regular STI testing for sexually active individuals
- Mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals
Natural Prevention
- Limiting number of sexual partners
- Open communication with partners about STI status
- Maintaining a healthy immune system
- Proper hygiene before and after sexual activity
Treatment Options
Chlamydia is curable with proper antibiotic treatment. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms disappear.
Medical Treatment
- Azithromycin (single dose)
- Doxycycline (twice daily for 7 days)
- Alternative antibiotics for pregnant women
- Follow-up testing 3 months after treatment
Supportive Care
- Abstaining from sex until treatment is complete
- Notifying all recent sexual partners
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Probiotics to restore healthy bacteria
Potential Complications
If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Infertility in both men and women
- Increased risk of HIV transmission
- Reactive arthritis