CHLAMYDIAL    INFECTIONS

         What is Chlamydia?

        Chlamydia is an infection caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. In
         women, chlamydial infection usually affects the cervix and uterus. In men, it usually
         affects the urethra in the penis. In men the infection is called 'Non Gonococcal Urethritis'.
         Chlamydia sometimes causes infection of the eye, throat, and lungs.

         How do you get chlamydia and how common is it?                    

         Most people with chlamydia get the infection by having sex with an infected
         person. It is most common in sexually active  women under 25.. Many women are not
         aware that they are infected as it often causes no symptoms. You can be infected with
         chlamydia for months, even years, without knowing it.The risk of infection increases
         with the number of changes of sexual partner.Wearing a condom during sex
         helps to prevent chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.

 

          Common symptoms of Chlamydia:

           No symptoms occur in most cases. If symptoms do occur, they can include:

                Whitish vaginal discharge, and mild irritation.

                 Burning with urination and irritation may be noted.

                 Bleeding or spotting between periods. In particular, bleeding after you have sex.

                 Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (pelvic area) occurs from infection
                   in the uterus, and tubes especially when you have sex.

 

         Should I have treatment if I have no symptoms?

            Yes, because the infection may spread into the uterus and tubes, and cause 
            serious pelvic infections and complications. This can be months or years after 
            you are first infected. Yes, because you can pass the infection to your sexual
            partner(s) even if you do not have symptoms.

       How is the diagnosis made?

          Chlamydia can be confirmed by a vaginal 'swab' culture taken from the cervix
          and urethra. Urine samples or a swab from the lower vagina are most commonly
          used. You may also be advised to be tested for other sexually transmitted infections,
          such as bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas.

       What is the treatment for chlamydia?

               A short course of an antibiotic usually clears chlamydial infection.  Doxycycline
         and Erythromicin  are often used for treatment.Even if you  have no symptoms,
         treatment is strongly advised to prevent possible complications.
         Tell your doctor if you are (or may be) pregnant. This may affect the choice of antibiotic.
         Do not have sex until you and your sexual partner have finished treatment (or for seven
         days after treatment with a 'single dose' antibiotic which is sometimes used).

        Does my partner need to be treated?

          Yes. Also, any other sexual partners within the past six months should also be
          tested for infection. (If you have not had sex within the last six months then your 
          latest sexual partner should be tested and treated, however long ago the relationship 
          was.) A course of an antibiotic is usually advised whether or not infection is found on
          testing. This is because:

              Chlamydial infection is commonly passed on during sex.

             
              Men and women often have no symptoms with chlamydia, but can 

              still pass on the infection.

              The test for chlamydia is not 100% reliable. Treatment makes sure that any possible
              infection which may have been missed by the tests is cleared.

              If your sexual partner is infected and not treated, chlamydia can be
              passed back to you again after you are treated.

  

      What are the possible complications of chlamydia?

             If left untreated, the infection may seriously affect the uterus and fallopian
             tubes (called 'pelvic inflammatory disease' or PID). About 1 in 5 women with
             chlamydia develop PID, and women can develop fever and pelvic pain. It can also
             develop slowly over months or years without causing symptoms (also
             known as silent 'PID'). However, over time, scarring or damage to the fallopian
             tubes may occur and can cause:

            Chronic (persistent) pain.

           
            Difficulty becoming pregnant (infertility).

     
            If you become pregnant, you have an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
           (where the pregnancy develops in a fallopian tube and can cause serious
           life threatening problems).
 

            The risk of developing some complications of pregnancy such as miscarriage,
            premature birth, and stillbirth are increased in pregnant women with untreated
            chylamydia.

            If you have untreated chlamydia during childbirth, your baby may
            develop a chlamydial infection of their eye or lung during the birth.

            Reiter's syndrome is a rare complication. This causes arthritis and eye
            inflammation. It may be due to the immune system 'over-reacting' to chlamydial
            infection in some cases.

            The risk of complications is much reduced if chlamydial infection is treated early.

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                               KENNETH GOODRICH, M.D.  -  OBSTETRICIAN- GYNECOLOGIST  
     
                                           Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

           Specializing in General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery- Hysterectomies
              and Uterine Fibroids, HPV treatment for Women and Men, Surgery on Obese Women,  Chronic Vaginal
              Discharges, Sexually Transmiited Diseases, Menopause, Abnormal Bleeding ,Cellulite Reduction and
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