Chlamydia (Cla-mid-ee-ah) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.  Both males and females are affected by this disease and symptoms differ by sex. Often symptoms go by unnoticed and are mostly non-specific; that is exactly why Chlamydia is such a dangerous disease. A variety of serious complications can arise from not diagnosing Chlamydia at an early stage.

One contracts Chlamydia through sexual contact with a new partner, or a partner who has had many previous partners, and by having sex multiple times without using a condom. Some babies are also born with Chlamydia from mothers who have the disease.

The lack of symptoms cause many problems; however, some symptoms are noticeable and they include cystitis, vaginal discharge, painful urination, irregular periods, problems with falling pregnant and lower abdominal pain in women, and discharge from the penis and swelling of the testicles in men. Up to 80 percent of people infected with Chlamydia do not have any symptoms!

Chlamydia can cause a number of problems if it is not treated. In women, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is known to damage Fallopian tubes and eventually they become completely blocked. As a result of this, infertility kicks in and only in-vitro fertilisation will allow a woman to become pregnant. Infertility and joint infections are a problem in men, when Chlamydia is not treated.  In addition, if Chlamydia remains untreated it can spread towards other parts of the body and cause eye infections which may lead to blindness. Chlamydia can be treated with subscribed antibiotics, usually in pill form. It is very important to complete your prescription before engaging in sexual intercourse.

There is an increased likelihood of developing cervical cancer when a woman has Chlamydia, because it somehow alters her immune system. This is an indication of how outstretched the reach of this disease in one’s body is. This is a silent disease; you could have it now and not even know it. The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor and ask specifically for a Chlamydia test – for the good health of you and your partner.

Share this post