Chlamydia: Symptoms and Treatment

Chlamydia is a common bacterial infection spread through sexual intercourse, that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women and urinary tract infection in men. In both sexes it can lead to infertility. Fortunately, there is an easy cure through antibiotics.

Chlamydia bacteria live in vaginal fluid and in semen, and all individuals who have had sexual intercourse without using a condom are at risk of infection. Around three quarters of sufferers experience no symptoms at all, however, which means that testing for the presence of this disease on a regular basis is absolutely vital.

If symptoms do appear, they usually show up between 1 and 3 weeks after infection. New born babies may contract the infection during birth, and show symptoms of eye infection and pneumonia.

Chlamydia Symptoms in Men:

• Stinging or burning when urinating.
• Inflammation of the urethra.
• Tenderness or pain in the testicles.
• A clear discharge from the penis and possible itchiness around the opening.

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women:

• Stinging or burning when urinating.
• An unusual vaginal discharge.
• Pain from pelvic inflammation.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Occasionally, bleeding between periods.

To test for Chlamydia, a health care practitioner will take a sample of fluid from the vagina or penis and send it to a laboratory for testing. Another kind of test involves taking a urine sample and the results from this are usually available within one day.

If you do have Chlamydia, be sure to take all your medicine, even after symptoms disappear, for the amount of time prescribed and visit your health care provider again if your symptoms have not disappeared two weeks after finishing the medicine. Tell your sexual partners so they can be tested and treated, if necessary, and you should also avoid having sexual intercourse until your treatment is over.