What is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It spreads through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, such as infertility (difficulty getting pregnant) or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.

It’s important to get tested regularly for STIs, especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners, and to practice safe sex by using condoms. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications and protect your health.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

In some people, symptoms might include.

• Pain or burning while peeing,
• Unusual discharge from the genitals (like yellowish or greenish discharge)
• Pain during sex.
• For those who have a vagina, they might notice bleeding between periods or after sex.
• For people with a penis, they might have pain or swelling in the testicles.

It’s important to remember that not everyone with chlamydia will have symptoms, so getting tested regularly if you’re sexually active is crucial.

Causes of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Additionally, sharing sex toys without proper cleaning can also spread the infection. In some cases, a pregnant woman with chlamydia can pass it to her baby during childbirth.

Young adults and teenagers who are sexually active are at higher risk. Regular testing and practicing safe sex, like using condoms, are important for preventing the spread of chlamydia.

Treatment of Chlamydia

Chlamydia can be treated with medicines that kill bacteria. It’s important to take all the prescribed antibiotics, even if you start feeling better, to make sure the infection is completely gone.

During treatment, it’s also important to avoid sexual activity to prevent spreading the infection to others. After finishing the medications, it’s a good idea to get retested to make sure the infection is gone.

If you had sex with someone who has chlamydia, it’s important for them to get treated too. It’s also important to let your sexual partners know so they can get tested and treated if needed.

Dr. Rahul Mathur
Consultant Neuropsychiatris