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ChlamydiaDownload a PDF What is chlamydia?Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis. It can be transmitted through vaginal, oral or anal sex. It may also be transmitted from the genitals to the eye and froma woman to her baby during delivery. Chlamydia most commonly occurs in people aged between 15 and 29 years of age (1). Having mutliple sexual partners (or a partner who has) and not practising safe sex increases a person's risk. SymptomsIt is estimated that at least 75% of women and approximately 25% of men will experience no symptoms (2). As symptoms of chlamydia can be similar to those of other conditions (eg., thrush, cystitis) it may also be overlooked. If symptoms do occur they can include: Women
Men
What chlamydia doesWomen - Chlamydia causes inflammation of the urethra (tube from the bladder to the urinary opening) and/or the cervix (neck of the uterus). If left untreated the infection can travel to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. When the infection progresses to these areas it is referred to as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID may form scar tissue and adhesions which can result in serious health issues including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and fertility problems. Men - Chlamydia causes inflammation of the urethra. If left untreated chlamydia can progress to the epididymis (the tubes which carry sperm). This can cause pain, scarring and, rarely, fertility problems. Chlamydia and pregnancyA pregnant woman infected with chlamydia has an increased risk of:
There is also a risk of the baby becoming infected with chlamydia during delivery, causing either conjunctivitis (eye infection) or pneumonia (chest infection). DiagnosisThe health practitioner may first ask a number of questions about a person's sexual history (number of partners, recent change of partners, use of condoms/dams) to determine that's person's risk level. There are a two diagnostic tests for chlamydia; a swab test and a urine test. The swab test involves taking a sample of cells with a cotton-tipped swab from the cervix, vagina or urethra (for women) or the opening in the penis (for men). It is important to note that a Pap smear test will not detect chlamydia. The urine test involves collecting a sample of first quantity of urine passed. It may also be necessary to perform a physical examination to check for signs of inflammation and tenderness in the pelvic area. People should consider being tested for other STIs such as gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B and HIV. TreatmentChlamydia is treated with antibiotics and usually involves taking a single dose of medication. If complications have occurred from the infection (eg., PID) a different antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Treating current sexual partners is also important to avoid re-infection. During treatment, people should abstain from having sex. Alcohol should be avoided as it may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment. People are usually asked to return to their health practitioner following treatment to ensure the infection has been eradicated. Notifying partnersIf it is supsected that previous/current partners may be infected with chlamydia it is important they are contacted so they too can be tested. If a person feels uncomfortable or embarrassed about contacting partners, their health practitioner may offer to make contact on the person's behalf. This process is completely confidential with the infected person's name not disclosed (3). Emotional impactBeing diagnosed with chlamydia can be emotionally distressing for some people. In particular, questions concerning the source of infection may seriously impact on a person’s relationship. Questioning whether a partner has been unfaithful or having to reveal infidelities to a partner can be difficult. It may be useful to remember that chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection that can affect any person who has unprotected sex. Becoming informed about chlamydia and its effects can help people cope with the diagnosis. If people experience concern and have negative feelings about having chlamydia they can talk to their health practitioner, a close friend or relative, or seek counselling. PreventionThe best protection from chlamydia and other STIs, whatever your sexual preference, is to always practise safe sex. Barrier protection (condoms, dams) should always be used when having sex with a partner whose previous sexual habits or partners are unknown. The withdrawal method (in which the penis is withdrawn from the vagina before ejaculation) is not protective against chlamydia or other STIs. Further help and information from Women's Health Queensland Wide.Health Information Line: Library: Website: Further readingQueensland Health, Sexual Health's website See our Genital HPV factsheet This factsheet was originally published by Women's Health Queensland Wide (Women's Health) in February 1999. It was revised by Kirsten Braun and the Editorial Committee in February 2002 and October 2006. Last Modified: October 1, 2006 |
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