Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused most commonly by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria contain their own genetic material but they require a human host in order to replicate. A sexually transmitted chlamydia infection occurs in the genital area of men or women and it is easily spread during unprotected intercourse.
Incidence and Prevalence
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease, especially among teenagers. More than 2 million Americans between the ages of 14 and 39 are infected according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More women are infected than men and often women become re-infected if a partner does not seek treatment. There are most likely more cases than actually reported because many individuals experience few symptoms, or none at all. For example, the Mayo Clinic notes that up to 75 percent of women with chlamydia are symptom-free.
Symptoms
In some cases, an individual may not experience symptoms until almost a month after exposure to chlamydia. Women may experience vaginal discharge and burning during urination. As the infection spreads upwards from the genital and urinary tracts to the fallopian tubes, symptoms may include pain in the abdomen and back and during intercourse. Women may also notice bleeding at odd points in the menstrual cycle.
Men may experience discharge from the penis and burning during urination.
Testing
Even in the absence of symptoms, the Mayo Clinic recommends yearly screening for sexually active women and anyone who has multiple partners.
Several tests may be used to diagnose the presence of chlamydia. A physician may collect a specimen from the anus, the tip of the penis in men, or the cervix in women--the area where the female genital tract meets the uterus. Urine may also be tested.
Treatment
Upon diagnosis, the individual's partner should also be tested and receive treatment, even if symptoms are absent in that individual. Treatment for chlamydia typically includes the antibiotics azithromycin, doxycycline or levofloxacin. Intercourse should be avoided during this time. The infection usually goes away in two weeks according to the Mayo Clinic.
The CDC warns that without proper treatment women may risk suffering more serious reproductive health problems, such as infertility.
Prevention
A chlamydia infection is only 100 percent preventable by abstaining from sex. However, using proper protection during intercourse can reduce risk. In addition, the fewer sexual partners an individual has, the less risk there is of contracting chlamydia. The Merck Manual notes that routine screening, particularly of individuals who have a history of sexually transmitted diseases, can prevent spread of chlamydia. Women can decrease their risk for infection by avoiding douching. which strips the bacteria of healthy bacteria.
