What Is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease frequently seen among women. Chlamydia occurs because of the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis .

Just as it leads in female patients to cervicitis, that is infection of the cervix, to infertility and to pelvic inflammatory disease, in men it results in urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) and proctitis (inflammation of the rectum).

Chlamydia Infection

Chlamydia infection is a quite frequently seen infection. In some situations it is difficult to estimate the number of patients with asymptomatic chlamydia infection, that is showing no symptoms. 

The infection is mostly seen in individuals of a young age (15-24 years).

It is frequently seen in men who have sexual intercourse with members of their own sex. While its frequency in tests taken from the anus is between 3-10%, in tests taken from the throat it is between 1-3%. 

The Culture of Transmission

For the chlamydia bacterium to be transmitted, skin contact is necessary. For the bacterium to be transmitted during sexual intercourse there is no requirement for the person who is the carrier to ejaculate. It can also be transmitted orally.

Chlamydia transmission can also pass from mother to baby. If transmission occurs during birth, there is an infection in the baby's eyes or lungs.

As a result of oral sex with someone carrying the chlamydia bacterium, the bacterium can be transmitted to the throat. 

Chlamydia Symptoms

Chlamydia is an infection that follows a course without giving symptoms. Generally no symptom or examination finding is encountered in patients. The first complaints after transmission show themselves a few weeks later. Symptoms are seen in 10 out of every 100 men and 30 out of every 100 women with proven evidence of infection.

In the presence of infection in women the following symptoms may be seen:

• Infection of the cervix (cervicitis)
• Bleeding in the vagina
• Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis)
• Burning on urination
• A frequent need to go to the toilet

When the infection progresses and reaches the tubes in the reproductive channel, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease gives symptoms of severe pain being felt in the pelvis and excessive sensitivity in the genital region.

In men the symptoms of chlamydia may be as follows:

• Inflammation of the urethra (urethritis)
• A thick discharge from the penis
• Burning on urination
• Pain and sensitivity in the testicles

If the infection has progressed, epididymitis, that is inflammation in the upper region of the testicle, may be seen in some men.

The symptoms that may be seen in common in men and women are pain, discharge and bleeding in the anus due to anal infection. 

Chlamydia Diagnosis and Test Culture

It is important that people suspected of having chlamydia and who have complaints such as a rash, genital discharge and burning on urination stay away from sexual activity until they receive their test results. 

People whose sexual partner has been diagnosed with chlamydia must without fail see a urology specialist and have themselves tested as well. 

It is recommended that women under the age of 25 with an active sexual life have a test even if they have no complaints.

It is recommended that pregnant women have a chlamydia diagnostic test at their first examination with urology specialists. 

People being treated because of chlamydia infection need to have a second test 3 months later. 

In male individuals, in the event that no symptoms are seen and if they have no sexual activity, having a test is not recommended. 

In men who have relations with members of their own sex, chlamydia screening needs to be carried out once a year.

For male individuals diagnosed with HIV, chlamydia screening is recommended on a 3-monthly routine.

The Chlamydia Screening Test

Chlamydia infection is detected as a result of molecular tests. These tests are sensitive tests that capture the chlamydia bacterium. 

The test is carried out by the method of taking a urine sample or taking a vaginal swab from the patient.

While taking a urine culture is the most frequently used method in men, for women the vaginal swab method gives the most accurate results.

Chlamydia Treatment

In the treatment of chlamydia infection, antibiotic support is used. With antibiotic medicines the bacterium in the patient's body is destroyed. However, the adverse conditions the bacterium has created in the patient may require an additional treatment.

Throughout the treatment process the patient needs to stay away from active sexual life. 

Within the first week following the use of antibiotics, many complaints are expected to disappear. If there is another problem apart from chlamydia infection, the complaints specific to it may be continuing.

Chlamydia is a disease that can recur. In situations where the treatment is not completed correctly, there is a risk of infection again.

After the drug treatment has been completed, at the end of the following 3rd month a doctor should be visited for a check-up examination.