What is Chlamydia Infection?
July 3, 2009
Chlamydia infection is a one of the sexually transmitted diseases (STD). It is caused by bacterial infection of bacteria Chlamydia trachamatis. It occurs in eyes and in genital areas.
If the bacteria infect the human genitals then common signs and symptoms include pain during micturation, abnormal discharge from penis or vagina and swelling in testicles. The signs appear slowly and are only visible once the infection is at its peak. Swelling may appear in rectum and surrounding anal area.
Other signs include pain during sexual intercourse, irregular menstruation, pain in lower back and abdomen. Men rarely suffer form this disease. Even if they do, they show very less symptoms.
Any sexually active person may develop this disease. It is transmitted oral as well as by anal sex. Younger women are at a higher risk to develop this disease because their cervix is not full matured. Homosexual men are also easy victims of Chlamydia infection. The infection can also pass form the mother to the child during delivery through vagina.
The disease much be treated on time with antibiotics. If case of lack of treatment, the disease may seriously damage the reproductive organs and may lead to other health complications. The additional problem is that the early signs and symptoms are not very clear. In other words, the Chlamydia infection is a silent killer.
Being more common it women, the infection has grasp on 40 per cent of the female population. In women, the infection may proceed towards the fallopian tubes and may cause PID (pelvic inflammation disease). PID has the potential to permanently damage the uterus and the tubes and thus cause infertility. According to a research, such women are 5 times more likely to develop HIV.
Prevention is better than cure. Follow personal hygiene strictly and avoid using public bathrooms by sitting on them. Do not have intercourse with a person you are doubtful of having this infection. Do not share towels and under garments, even after washing.
Get annual screening done to be vigilant about the infection. Young sexually active women must be extra careful in choosing their sex partner. All pregnant women must get their screening done for Chlamydia.
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