Chlamydia - Picture, Cause, Risks and Treatment of Chlamydia - Tests and Testing of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and it is thought to be the most common sexually transmitted disease . There has been a rapid increase in sufferers in recent years, which is probably because there may be no symptoms. Even though nothing may be obvious at the time of the infection, there can be very serious long-term health consequences.
What Causes Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is nearly always passed on by sexual intercourse. It can be transmitted from mother to baby at the time of birth. The newborn baby may show signs of having chlamydia in the first few days of life by developing an eye infection. Condoms, if used during every sexual occurrence, may help to prevent the spread of infection.
The Risks involved in Chlamydia
Left untreated, chlamydial infection can lead to a number of serious health consequences, including infection of the reproductive organs and possible infertility. It is important that both partners are treated for the disease even if there are no symptoms.
- pelvic inflammatory disease in women
- non-specific urethritis in men . infection in babies, including eye disorders
- miscarriage
- infertility in women and possibly in men
- ectopic pregnancy, where the baby develops outside the womb; unlikely to result in a live birth
Treatment for chlamydia
Treatment is available in the form of specific antibiotics but because chlamydia is often transmitted with other sexually transmitted diseases, it is best treated at a special clinic where tests for other infections can be done. The addresses of these clinics are available from your doctor or in the telephone book under NHS sexual health clinics.
Chlamydia Symptoms and signs
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
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