What is chlamydia
The causative agent is Chlamydia trachomatis, an intracellular microorganism that multiplies inside the cells of the mucous membrane. This feature explains two things: why the disease often has few symptoms and why treatment requires antibiotics that penetrate the cell.
Transmission occurs through unprotected sexual contact of any kind. Transmission from mother to child during childbirth is also possible with the development of conjunctivitis or pneumonia in the newborn. Chlamydia is practically not transmitted through everyday means - through towels, a swimming pool, a toilet seat.
Symptoms
A significant proportion of those infected have no symptoms at all, which is why the infection is so widespread. When there are manifestations, they are usually scanty.
- In men: scanty mucous discharge from the urethra, more often in the morning
- Burning and discomfort when urinating
- Itching in the urethra
- Discomfort in the perineum and scrotum
- In women: an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in its nature
- Intermenstrual bleeding and spotting after intercourse
- Nagging pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort when urinating
- If the rectum is affected - discomfort, discharge
- Redness of the eyes when the pathogen comes into contact with the conjunctiva
Why is it dangerous?
- In women: inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, adhesions, obstruction of the fallopian tubes
- Tubal infertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Complications of pregnancy and infection of the newborn
- In men: urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis
- Impaired fertility with epididymal involvement
- Reactive arthritis affecting joints, eyes and urethra
- Increased risk of contracting other infections, including HIV
- Proctitis with damage to the rectum
Diagnostics
- PCR is the main and most accurate method; material is taken from the urethra, cervical canal, and in men the first portion of urine is also informative
- Collection of material from the rectum and pharynx with appropriate contacts
- Smear microscopy - reveals signs of inflammation, but does not show chlamydia itself
- Sowing - limited use
- Determination of antibodies in the blood is not very informative for diagnosing a current infection and should not be the basis for treatment
- Screening for other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, syphilis, hepatitis
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women and ultrasound of the prostate in men for complications
- Spermogram when planning pregnancy
- Partner examination
Separately, about the blood test for antibodies: it is often prescribed and often misleading. Antibodies can persist for years after an infection has been suffered and treated, so finding them does not mean that you need to be treated again. You should focus on PCR.
Treatment
- Antibacterial therapy with drugs that penetrate into the cell; The scheme and duration are determined by the doctor
- Mandatory simultaneous treatment of all sexual partners for a certain period
- Abstinence from sexual intercourse until both partners complete treatment
- Control test using PCR method after a period established by the doctor; an earlier study gives a false positive result due to DNA residues from dead microorganisms
- Treatment of complications: prostatitis, epididymitis, inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs
- Special regimens during pregnancy - drugs are selected taking into account safety for the fetus
- Screen for other STIs as they are often combined
Prevention
- Use a condom during any contact with a new or non-regular partner
- Examination when changing partners
- Joint examination of a couple before abandoning barrier contraception
- Examination when planning pregnancy
- Avoiding self-medication with antibiotics
- Screening for STIs if any one infection is detected - they are often combined
- Informing partners when an infection is detected is unpleasant, but necessary
Where to get examined in Tashkent
For diagnosis, a laboratory with PCR testing is needed, and in case of complications, a urological or gynecological examination.
In Tashkent, you can get tested and receive treatment for chlamydia and its urological complications at the UROLOGIC COMPLEX medical center and at the Tashkent Medical Park clinic.
Plan testing with your partner: treating one person for this infection almost always results in reinfection. Clinic contacts are below on the page.
