Chlamydia
Chlamydia infection is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) that occurs frequently, especially in (young) women. It is caused by a bacterium, which sites itself in the mucous membranes of the genitals. This can cause inflammation of the urethra, of the anus and in women also of the cervix. As a result of oral sex, both men and women may have a chlamydial infection in the throat. In case of an infection in the anus there are usually no complaints. Sometimes there is some bloody discharge, irritation, itching and pain in the stool.
Symptoms in women
As a woman you often notice nothing of a chlamydial infection. There are no or only mild complaints. As a result, it can be the case that you continue for a long time with a chlamydial infection, sometimes for years. In the meantime you can pass on the illness unnoticed. Symptoms that indicate chlamydia are:
- more discharge than normal;
- pain when urinating;
- abnormal bleeding, for example between two menstrual periods or blood loss after sex;
- pain during sex;
- pain in the lower abdomen.
- If you have been unsafe and you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, go to a doctor immediately.
- Possible consequences for the woman
A chlamydia infection can move to the fallopian tubes. A fallopian tube infection develops, which can spread to the abdominal cavity. A fallopian tube infection can be accompanied by a fever. You may feel sick and have pain in the lower abdomen. Through quick and effective treatment (antibiotics and bed rest) a fallopian tube infection can completely heal. A fallopian tube infection that is not treated or treated too late causes scarring in the fallopian tubes. This can cause the fallopian tube to become blocked. This can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. A pregnant woman can transmit a chlamydial infection to the baby during the delivery. The baby can then get eye inflammation or pneumonia. Proper treatment during pregnancy prevents the risk for the baby
Symptoms in men
Men often get secretion from the penis one to a few weeks after they have been infected with chlamydia. Often it only involves a bit of watery secretion after rising (morning drip). Peeing can also be painful. Sometimes you, as a man, have no symptoms of a chlamydial infection at all. You can then pass on the illness unnoticed.
Possible consequences men
The inflammation can also occur in men. This is less common than with women. The bacteria can enter the prostate and the anus via the vas deferens. This sometimes leads to an anus inflammation. This causes severe pain in the scrotum, sometimes radiating to the groin. You may feel a swelling in the scrotum. This also causes swelling and pain. An inflammation of the prostate can be accompanied by fever, difficulty urinating and pain in and around the genitals. The inflammations are treated with medicine (antibiotics). Sometimes supportive underwear is recommended to relieve the pain.
Research
To determine whether there is a chlamydial infection, the doctor does one or more tests. A smear is made of the urethra or cervix. The urine is also examined. To find out if you may also have syphilis, the doctor sometimes also does blood tests.
Therapy
Chlamydia can be treated effectively with antibiotics. You always have to finish this treatment completely, even if the symptoms disappear. It is possible that your partner (s) also have (or have had) a chlamydia infection, even if there are no complaints. It is therefore important that the partner is examined and possibly treated. During the treatment it is better not to have sex. This way you prevent yourself and your partner (s) from infecting each other over and over again. If you do have sex anyway, use a condom. If after the treatment the symptoms have not disappeared, go back to the doctor. You may have a gonorrhea and a chlamydia infection at the same time.
Also see these information articles: · Candida infection · Chickenpox · Hepatitis B · HIV and AIDS · Rubella · Toxoplasmosis · Vaginal infections
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