Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a tiny bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.

Chlamydia is the most common treatable STD. There are often no symptoms seen in either men or women, unless it leads to complications.

It can be an extremely serious problem for women as in some women infection can damage the Fallopian tubes, which conduct eggs from the ovaries to the womb. This prevents the tubes from working properly and they can become completely blocked. Chlamydia is the most common preventable cause of infertility in women. No pregnancy is possible naturally if the fallopian tubes are blocked.

Symptoms

Women

• a minor increase in vaginal discharge caused by an inflamed cervix.
• cystitis (an inflammation of the lining of the bladder).
• the need to urinate more frequently, or pain whilst passing urine.
• pain during sexual intercourse or bleeding after sex.
• mild lower abdominal pains.
• irregular menstrual bleeding.
• a painful swelling and irritation in the eyes (if they become infected).

Men

• Men are more likely to notice symptoms than women, though they too may be asymptomatic.
• a white/cloudy and watery discharge from the penis that may stain underwear.
• a burning sensation and/or pain when passing urine.
• a painful swelling and irritation in the eyes (if they become infected).

How It’s Passed On

Chlamydia can be transmitted:

• by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who is infected.
• from a mother to her baby during vaginal childbirth.
• by transferring the infection on fingers from the genitals to the eyes, although it is rare for this to happen.

Getting Help

If you have any symptoms or you are worried you may have been infected with chlamydia, you should discuss your worries with a doctor.

The Diagnosis

To find out if someone has chlamydia, a doctor or nurse will usually carry out the following examinations and tests:

• an examination will be done of a patient’s genital area.
• a urine sample may be taken.
• samples will be taken from any possibly infected areas, using a cotton wool or spongy swab.
• women will usually be given an internal pelvic examination, similar to a smear test, where a swab sample is taken from the cervix.
• men will be given an external examination of their testicles to check that these are healthy.

Treatment

The treatment of chlamydia is simple and effective once the infection has been diagnosed, consisting of a short course of antibiotic tablets