Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection

chlamydia trachomatis infection 

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is one kind of sexually transmitted disease (STD) that caused by a bacteria named Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia trachomatis infection can cause a damage on reproductive organs, although the infection are usually asymptomatic. Serious infection can cause complications such as infertility. And it can happen in both men and women.

Epidemiologically, chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most frequently  bacterial STD in the United States. The prevalence number tends to be under reported, because most people with chlamydial infection are not aware of the infection and do not seek testing. Women is reported more common than men because they are frequently reinfected if their sex partners are not properly treated.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection can be transmitted in many ways:

• Sexual activities: oral, vaginal, or anal sex. People who are sexually active are at risk of chlamydial infection. Multiple sexual partners also increase the risk. Young women and teenage girls are susceptible to chlamydial infection because the opening of uterus (called cervix), is still immature. Homosexual people are also at risk for chlamydial infection.
• Vaginal childbirth (from mother to newborn)

According to American Family Physician, most of chlamydia trachomatis infections affect the urogenital tract. The symptoms of  chlamydial infection are:

• Women: 
• Abnormal vaginal discharge with burning sensation while urinating. 
• Low back pain
• Nausea
• Fever
• Lower abdominal pain: if the infection spreads from cervix to fallopian tubes.
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding between periods.
• Rectal pain, discharge, bleeding: after anal sex.
• Men:
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Itching around the opening of the penis
• Discharge from penis
• Rare cases: pain and swelling in the testicles
• Rectal pain, discharge, bleeding: after anal sex.

Chlamydia infection treatment

• The main treatment is antibiotics. 
• Azithromycin single dose, or
• Doxycycline twice daily, a week
• Sexual partners must be tested and treated. If no, there will be a high risk for re-infection
• No sexual intercourse during treatment to prevent transmitting from infected people to their partners.
• Evaluation test should be done at least 3 months after treatment.