Chlamydia

The primary symptoms of chlamydia are lesions that occur on the genitals and accompanying inflammation in the lymph nodes that surround the genital area, including the inner thigh region. However, in many cases, chlamydia does not result in noticeable symptoms. This poses a particular health risk to women and new born children born of mothers with chlamydia. Left untreated, chlamydia can result in infertility and tubal pregnancies, as well as premature birth and even death of newborns. Newborns and infants can also develop pneumonia, ear infections, and eye infections as a result of chlamydia.

Although Chlamydia can infect a woman’s cervix, urethra, eyes, and throat, it typically attacks the upper genital tract. This area includes the fallopian tubes, endometrium (lining of the uterus), and pelvic peritoneum (lining of the pelvis). So it is not surprising that one of the most common symptoms of chlamydia is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In the U.S. each year, chlamydia causes approximately 50 percent of the estimated annual cases of PID. Symptoms of both chlamydia and PID include vaginal bleeding or discharge or bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, changes in urination, and fever. Such symptoms can range from mild to extremely painful.

Caution: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can be severe and even life-threatening. Therefore, proper diagnosis and medical care are essential.

In men, chlamydia primarily affects the urethra and the epididymis, which is part of the excretory duct of the testicles. Chlamydia is the number one cause of urethritis, the most common STD affecting men. As in women, chlamydia often presents no symptoms and is therefore difficult to treat. When symptoms are present, they include discharge from the penis, urethral itching, and/or changes in urination. Chlamydia that affects the epididymis is usually characterized by pain in one side of the scrotum, as well as swelling. The pain can range from mild to extremely severe.

Prevention Guidelines
As with all sexually transmitted diseases, the most effective response to chlamydia is prevention. To avoid chlamydia, do the following:

1. Be careful about choosing a sex partner and find out about his or her health and sexual history before engaging in a sexual relationship. Have sex only if the person has no apparent signs of infection and is willing to assure your protection during sexual intimacy. Be prepared to talk and inquire about past experiences. Be direct and persistent. Make conversations about health a natural part of the sexual relationship.
2. Limit the number of people you have sex with. The risk of contracting an STD rises exponentially in direct relation to how many sexual partners you have.
3. Avoid sex altogether if your partner exhibits open lesions or swelling on his or her body.
4. Always practice safe sex. Men should always use a latex condom, especially when engaging in sex with someone new. As an alternative, women can consider the use of a latex female condom. When engaging in oral sex, use a latex dental dam. Long-term, monogamous sexual partners should also use some form of protective contraceptive unless planning a pregnancy.
5. Avoid swallowing semen, as it acts as an immune suppressant and thus can increase the risk of STDs caused by infectious micro-organisms.
6. Avoid anal sex, especially without protection.
7. Urinate after you have sexual intercourse in order to help clean the urethra and prevent infection. This applies to both men and women.
8. Have an annual check-up to be screened for STDs that you may not know you have.
9. If you know that you have a sexually transmitted disease, be responsible. Inform your partner and insist that he or she be examined and treated as well. Follow the treatment regimen that your physician prescribes as completely as possible, and always use protection whenever you engage in sex.