This article deals with the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Chlamydia. It is not intended as professional advice. We are not doctors, psychologists, social workers, etc. and can only explain the terms and context and refer to support services. For specialist treatment etc., please contact a help centre near you.
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the world, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. They can affect both men* – including gays – and women* and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
It is important to know that not everyone who has Chlamydia shows symptoms. People with a vagina are more likely than people with a penis to have no symptoms at all during the infection. Therefore, regular testing is recommended for sexually active people, especially those who have multiple sexual partners or practice unprotected sex. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to serious health complications in all sexes, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect the uterus and lead to infertility. That’s why it’s important to get tested and treated if you suspect you’ve been exposed to chlamydia.
Symptoms of chlamydia
The bacterium can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. The symptoms of chlamydia may not appear immediately, and in some people they may not appear at all. Because of this asymptomatic course of chlamydia, it is also called a “silent” infection. However, if symptoms do occur, they can be as follows:
- Painful urination: People with chlamydia may experience a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
- Abnormal discharge: Women with chlamydia may notice a yellowish or greenish discharge from the vagina, while men may experience discharge from the penis.
- Pain during sex: Chlamydia can cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding between periods or after sex: Women with chlamydia may experience bleeding or spotting between periods or after sex.
- Pain or swelling in the testicles: Men with chlamydia may experience pain or swelling in the testicles.
- Rectal pain or discharge: Chlamydia can also be transmitted through anal sex and cause pain or discharge from the rectum.
Get tested for chlamydia!
Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, they can cause serious health problems. In women, untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can damage the reproductive system and lead to infertility. In men, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the vas deferens that carry sperm, which can lead to infertility. Both men and women with untreated chlamydia have an increased risk of HIV infection.
How do you treat chlamydia?
If you suspect you have been infected, you should get tested and treated immediately. Your healthcare provider can diagnose chlamydia with a simple urine test or a swab of the affected area. Treatment usually involves a series of antibiotics that can be taken orally or by injection. If an infection is diagnosed, it is usually treated with antibiotics. The active substances azithromycin and doxycycline are the most commonly used. Your doctor can prescribe a single dose of azithromycin or a one-week course of doxycycline.
The prescribed full course of antibiotics must be observed and adhered to. Even if the symptoms improve, the medication should not be stopped beforehand! This helps to ensure that the infection is completely cleared from the body and reduces the risk of re-infection.
In addition, it is important to abstain from sexual activity during treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others. You should also inform your sexual partners so that they can be tested and treated if necessary. Your steady partner with whom you have sex should also be tested to avoid re-infecting each other. After treatment is finished, it is recommended that you get tested again to make sure that the infection has completely cleared up. This is especially important if you have had unprotected sex during treatment or if your sexual partners have not been treated.
It is also important to know that although antibiotics can cure chlamydia, they cannot cause permanent damage to your reproductive system or other organs if the infection has gone untreated for a long time.
Therefore: Get tested regularly!
How to prevent chlamydia?
As with many STI, safer sex and prevention is the best way to avoid chlamydia. Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia:
- Use condoms: Correct and consistent use of condoms during vaginal, anal and oral sex can reduce the risk of getting chlamydia and other STIs
- Get tested: Regular testing for STIs is important, especially if you have multiple sexual partners and/or practice unprotected sex. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get tested.
- Limit your sexual partners: The more sexual partners you have, the greater the risk of getting chlamydia and other STIs. Limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce your risk.
- Talk to your sexual partners: It is important to be open and honest with your sexual partners about STI testing and history before engaging in sexual activity.
Make sure you practice good hygiene: Washing your genitals with soap and water before and after sex can help reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections.
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