Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. The condition can affect anyone. Those infected with the bacteria may not be aware about it as they do not experience any early signs or symptoms. It is critical to start chlamydia treatment as early as possible. If it is left untreated, chlamydia can result in severe health issues. Read on to know more about the causes, symptoms, and management options.

Causes
The three main ways though which chlamydia spreads include vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. Additionally, pregnant women can pass the infection to their unborn child, which could result in pneumonia or a severe eye infection in the newborn. Women are more likely to contract this disease than males. Other risk factors and causes include the following:

• Not regularly using barrier methods, such as condoms
• Having a sexual partner with a history of chlamydia or another sexually transmitted infection.
• Having a sexual partner who performs sexual activities with other individuals.

Symptoms
When suffering from chlamydia, one may not experience any physical symptoms. The early signs of the infection can occasionally be so subtle that people might miss them or mistake them to be caused by something else. The following symptoms can be experienced after a few weeks of contracting the infection.

• Burning sensation or ache while urinating
• Pain during sex
• Stomach discomfort
• Unusual vaginal discharge (may be yellowish and have a strong smell)
• Bleeding/spotting between periods
• Pus or a watery or milky discharge from the penis
• Enlarged or sensitive testicles
• Anus discomfort, discharge, and/or blood

Chlamydia symptoms typically appear one week to three months after unprotected sex for most individuals. However, the symptoms can also occur after a prolonged time period. The symptoms of the condition are different for men and women. Speaking with one’s physician can help in getting an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis
The doctor may conduct several procedures to determine whether one has chlamydia. They’ll presumably use a swab to collect a sample, either from the cervix in women or from the urethra in men. The sample is then taken to a facility for examination. They might also look for the bacteria in a urine sample. The throat and anus areas may also be swabbed if there’s a possibility of infection in these areas. The results can appear in a few days. A follow-up appointment and available treatments will be planned if the test is positive.

Treatments
Doctors usually administer certain treatment options as it is a bacterial infection. To avoid reinfection and further disease transmission, the physician will recommend that one’s partner also receive treatment. The infection should go away after receiving therapy in a week or two. Even if one feels better, it is important to complete the treatment regime as suggested by the physician. Women with a serious chlamydia infection may require hospitalization.

One should get retested in three months to make sure that the infection has been completely cured. This is crucial if one is unsure of how their partner received treatment. It is advisable to not engage in any type of sexual activity until one is certain that they and their partner are free of the infection.

Potential complications

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic discomfort and fever are symptoms of PID, a condition that affects the uterus and fallopian tubes. Hospitalization may be necessary for severe cases. PID can harm the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus.

Epididymitis
The coiled tunnel next to each testicle is known as epididymis. It can become inflamed due to chlamydia infection. This can lead to swelling, scrotal discomfort, and fever.

Infection of the prostate
The chlamydia bacteria can sporadically infect a man’s prostate gland. Lower back pain, discomfort urinating, discomfort during or after intercourse, fever, and chills are all symptoms of prostate infection.

Infant infections
During delivery, the infection could spread from a woman’s vagina to the infant. If this happens, the newborn is likely to suffer from pneumonia.

Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when an egg that has been fertilized attaches and develops outside the uterus, typically inside a fallopian tube. This must be terminated to prevent complications that could be deadly, like a burst tube.

Infertility
Even undetected chlamydia infections can result in scarring and obstruction in the fallopian tubes, which may lead to infertility.

Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is more likely to occur in those with a chlamydia infection. The joints, eyes, and the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, are frequently impacted by this disease.