Chlamydia Infection
What is chlamydia infection? Information about its transmission, symptoms, and treatments.
Symptoms and Causes
Chlamydia infection is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, regardless of whether ejaculation occurs. Additionally, there is a risk of transmission from mother to child during childbirth, which can cause pneumonia or severe eye infections in newborns.
This infection can be easily cured with the appropriate antibiotic. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health consequences. It often shows no symptoms, highlighting the importance of prevention and regular check-ups to detect and treat the disease in a timely manner.
Symptoms
In some cases, chlamydia infection does not produce symptoms. When symptoms appear, the most common are:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
- Painful urination.
- Testicular pain and swelling.
- Vaginal bleeding, which may occur after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods.
- Painful intercourse in women.
If chlamydia affects other areas, symptoms may include:
- Sore throat.
- Pain, bleeding, or discharge from the rectum.
- Redness and swelling of the eyelids.
Causes
Chlamydia infection is typically contracted by having sexual intercourse with an infected person. Pregnant women with chlamydia can transmit the infection to their newborns during childbirth.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of contracting a chlamydia infection include:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse.
- Having multiple sexual partners.
- Being a young woman, as they are more prone to infection.
Complications
Generally, chlamydia infection is cured without complications. However, in some cases, it can cause:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Epididymitis (infection of the testicle’s coiled tube).
- Prostate infection.
- Infertility.
Pneumonia in newborns can be life-threatening.
Prevention
The best way to prevent chlamydia is to use condoms (male or female) and reduce the number of sexual partners. It is also recommended to avoid vaginal douching, as it can eliminate bacteria that help fight infections, and to attend regular check-ups.
Which doctor treats chlamydia?
Chlamydia is treated by specialists in gynecology and obstetrics or by specialists in medical-surgical dermatology and venereology.
Diagnosis
Chlamydia infection is diagnosed through:
- Urine test: Culture and subsequent observation detect the presence of the bacteria.
- Analysis of fluids secreted from the vagina, urethra, or rectum.
- Vaginal sample test in women.
Treatment
The treatment for chlamydia infection involves taking antibiotics, which usually take effect within one to two weeks. Both the infected person and their sexual partners must take the medication.
