Chlamydiosis is a venereal disease caused by chlamydia, specifically Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases in Europe, with an estimated number of cases in the hundreds of thousands. As such, chlamydia can also cause other infections, both in men and in women and children. They can also occur in pregnancy.

In many cases, there are no symptoms and only a test will detect the disease. The incidence is more common in women under the age of 25. Since chlamydia can damage the reproductive organs and the incubation period is short, early diagnosis is a must.

Chlamydiosis is therefore a very serious disease in terms of sexual health and needs to be treated as such. No herbal treatment or home alternative treatment can replace professional therapy from a doctor. That is why I have decided to address the disease in more detail.

Table of Contents

What is Chlamydia

Chlamydiosis is the technical name of the disease caused by chlamydia. It is a sexually transmitted disease that can attack several tissues, but we will be interested in genital chlamydiosis. It primarily affects the excretory and urinary systems.

Chlamydiosis is an infectious disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
When infecting the body, this bacterium causes infections in the genital system, rectum, nasopharynx and conjunctivae, most often accompanied by discharge
Transmission of the disease can be through vaginal, oral and anal intercourse

In the case of pulmonary chlamydiae, such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, airborne and droplet transmission is also possible. For genital infection, unprotected sexual contact is the most likely mode of transmission. At the same time, infection can also be transmitted from the genital organs to the eye and later to the conjunctiva of the eye by touch.

As for the mechanism of spread of infection, this is different from other diseases:

When transmitted from an infected person to a new host, the parasite is unrecognised by the immune system for the first few hours, it is in the form of a non-infectious body
and after about 20 hours it transforms into an infectious body that can multiply very quickly into the surrounding cells in the tissue,
If the infection is not treated, it becomes chronic, progressing to the reproductive system in both women and men, and threatening the fallopian tubes and prostate

The end state of an untreated infection is that chlamydia invades other parts of the reproductive system, causing obstruction of the fallopian tubes and endangering sper

The parasite is capable of infecting mucosal surfaces, in adult humans especially the genitourinary system and the eyes. The prevalence of the disease is estimated to be up to 15% of the sexually active population. In the case of transmission to the newborn, which is also possible, infection can also occur in the lungs.

Incubation time

For genital chlamydiosis, the incubation period from infection to outbreak and eventual onset of symptoms ranges from 1 to 3 weeks. However, it is the onset of symptoms that is the problem, as most of the symptoms are asymptomatic. This also reinforces its high infectiousness and transmission.

Symptoms of Chlamydia

Since chlamydiosis affects the genitourinary tract, the most typical symptoms are related to the urogenital system. However, there are also frequent cases where there are no symptoms, i.e. the course of chlamydiosis is externally asymptomatic. If symptoms do occur, they vary according to whether the person is male or female, as some are individual.

Here are the most common symptoms in genital chlamydiosis:

In men, the most common symptoms are penile discharge, pain in the testicles, pain and burning during urination, frequent urination of small amounts of urine and difficulty holding urine in women, the typical symptoms are mainly vaginal discharge, itching and pain during sexual intercourse, also burning and pain during urination
in some cases there is also light bleeding between periods
If the infection reaches the lungs, it manifests itself as a scratchy throat, irritating cough, fatigue, headache and chills. The consequences of untreated chlamydiosis cause painful inflammation of the genital tract, scarring and eventually infertility.

If you do establish signs, you might experience:

discomfort when peeing
uncommon discharge from the vaginal area, penis or bottom
in ladies, discomfort in the belly, bleeding after sex and bleeding in between durations
in guys, discomfort and swelling in the testicles

If you believe you’re at danger of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or have any signs of chlamydia, go to a GP, neighborhood contraceptive service or regional genitourinary medication (GUM) center to get checked.

How do you get Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection. The germs are typically spread out through sex or contact with contaminated genital fluids (semen or vaginal fluid). Chlamydiosis is caused by chlamydia, which are specific types of bacteria that can infect the mucous membranes in the body. In order for an infection to occur, transmission must occur, which is most often through sexual contact. Unprotected sex is therefore a risk factor.

Here are the causes and modes of transmission of the infection:

vulnerable vaginal, anal or foreplay
sharing sex toys that are not cleaned or covered with a brand-new prophylactic each time they’re utilized
your genital areas entering into contact with your partner’s genital areas– this indicates you can get chlamydia from somebody even if there’s no penetration, orgasm or ejaculation
contaminated semen or vaginal fluid entering into your eye

It can likewise be gone by a pregnant lady to her child. Chlamydia can not be handed down through casual contact, such as kissing and hugging, or from sharing baths, towels, pool, toilet seats or flatware. Some deeper explenation:

Chlamydia trachomatis infection Chlamydia trachomatis: If we are talking about a form of chlamydial infection affecting the genital system, then a type of bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis is behind this infection. This is a bacterium with a biphasic life cycle, which facilitates the development of infection in the cells. It is an intracellular parasite with extremely rapid multiplication.
Sexual transmission: The absolute most common transmission of chlamydia infection is through unprotected sex. Statistics indicate that the chance of transmission from one person to another is up to 60%, which is above average compared to other bacterial infections. Transmission can be through vaginal, anal and oral contact.
Other transfer between partners: Infection can be transmitted from the genitals to other parts of the body, but this is not the most typical route of transmission. Other forms of infection, such as using the same underwear, bed linen or towels, are even rarer. Infection in common areas such as sauna, swimming pool or showers is only theoretical.
Mother-to-fetus transmission: the last way chlamydia is transmitted from the mother to the newborn through direct contact with the birth canal. Such transmission is highly risky for the child, as serious infections involving the lungs, eye or ear can result from infection. In extreme cases, the newborn may even go blind.

Course, stages and developmental stages of chlamydiosis

Chlamydia infection is dangerous because it has several stages of development, and if it is without outward manifestations, it can progress very quickly. The infection can then spread from the genital area either externally to the eyes or internally further into the genital system.

The disease has a course in the following stages:

Stage 1: In the first stage, chlamydia is introduced into the body, most often through sexual contact, but rarely through contaminated objects and direct contact. During the first few hours, they infect the inside of the cells, but they are still in a non-infectious form, so the immune system does not notice them. And after a few hours, they become infectious.
Stage Two: The second stage is characterized by the onset of massive multiplication of the infection into surrounding cells and tissues. If symptoms are present, they begin to manifest themselves most often in the vaginal or penile area with a typical discharge. Over time, the infection also progresses to the urinary system, bringing with it symptoms associated with pain and burning.
Stage Three: In the third stage, if the infection is not treated, it spreads to other parts of the body. In this case, there are two possible routes, either externally, which is most often to the eyes and conjunctiva, or further into the genital system. Infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries is the most common route, and in men, inflammation of the prostate gland.

Stage 4: In the last stage, the infection becomes chronic and the most serious complications and consequences of untreated inflammation occur. Joint inflammation, scarring of the pelvic organs, sterility in women, decreased sperm quality in men, and Reiter’s syndrome may develop.

Diagnosis of chlamydiosis

If the disease is accompanied by typical symptoms such as discharge from the penis or vagina, a sexually transmitted infection may be suspected. In the case of an asymptomatic form, or even with less certain manifestations, it is necessary to carry out laboratory diagnostics, which alone can confirm the infection.

Here are the most commonly performed examinations and tests:

medical history – the basis for obtaining a suspicion in this case is a medical history and a physiological examination, when the symptoms and the site of infection are determined
swab tests – most often a urethral swab and a vaginal swab are taken, which are sent for laboratory PCR testing, which is the most accurate
serological diagnostics – in this case, an indirect type of test is carried out, where antibodies to chlamydial infection are looked for in the blood serum
culture testing – the last method is culture, but this is too time-consuming due to the need for growth of the samples taken and is therefore not used very much in practice

If there is even the slightest suspicion of a chlamydial infection, a gynaecologist or urologist should be visited as soon as possible. Both partners should be examined and tested, precisely because of the likelihood of transmission. If a pulmonary form is suspected, a blood sample is tested.

FOLLOW-UP AFTER TREATMENT

Testing for chlamydia is not only a matter of diagnosis before treatment, but also a form of post-treatment follow-up. The purpose of this check is to confirm that there has been a complete cure of the infection. The test is done in the form of a swab from the site of infection or from the urine, usually 1 month after the end of treatment.

Is Chlamydia Serious?

Although chlamydia does not typically trigger any signs and can typically be treated with a brief course of prescription antibiotics, it can be major if it’s not dealt with early on.

If left unattended, the infection can infect other parts of your body and result in long-lasting illness, such as pelvic inflammatory illness (PID), epididymo-orchitis (swelling of the testicles) and infertility.

It can likewise in some cases trigger reactive arthritis. This is why it is necessary to get checked and dealt with as quickly as possible if you believe you may have chlamydia.

Getting Tested for Chlamydia

Testing for chlamydia is made with a urine test or a swab test.
You do not constantly require a physical exam by a nurse or medical professional.
Anyone can get a totally free and personal chlamydia test at a sexual health center, a genitourinary medication (GUM) center or a GP surgical treatment.
People under 25 years of ages can likewise get checked by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).
This is typically in locations such as drug stores, birth control centers or colleges.
If you reside in England, you’re under 25 and you’re sexually active, you must get checked for chlamydia every year or when you alter sexual partner, as you’re most likely to capture it.
You can likewise purchase chlamydia screening sets to do in your home.

How Chlamydia is Treated

As with many other bacterial infections, antibiotic therapy is the most successful treatment for chlamydia infection. The earlier treatment is started, the better. If it is neglected, there is a risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the genital system.

However, treatment is not only medicated, but also in other forms:

Chlamydia can typically be dealt with quickly with prescription antibiotics.
You might be offered some tablets to take all on 1 day, or a longer course of pills to consider a week.
You must not make love till you and your existing sexual partner have actually ended up treatment.
If you had the 1-day course of treatment, you must prevent making love for a week later on.
It’s essential that your existing sexual partner and any other current sexual partners you have actually had are likewise checked and dealt with to assist stop the spread of the infection.
Under -25 s who have chlamydia must be provided another test around 3 months after being dealt with. This is due to the fact that young people who evaluate favorable for chlamydia are at increased danger of capturing it once again.

Sexual health or genitourinary medication (GUM) centers can assist you call your sexual partners. Either you or the center can speak with them, or they can be sent out a note encouraging them to get checked. The note will not have your name on it, so your privacy will be secured.

Antibiotics

For the treatment of chlamydiosis, antibiotics are indicated after the initial examination. The specific type as well as the duration of their use is determined by the doctor based on the prevalence of infection and accompanying symptoms. Azithromycin is the most commonly used, which is used both long-term and in a single dose. Treatment can last 1 to 3 weeks, with longer treatment there is a higher likelihood of complete cure.

Sexual abstinence

Sexual abstinence during the infection, during treatment and for some time afterwards is an obvious choice. Once the infection has been diagnosed, sexual intercourse in all forms should be completely avoided. In any case, do not practice sex even with the use of contraception. Wait for a follow-up after treatment to confirm that the infection has disappeared.

Preventing touches

Chlamydia infection can also spread from the genitals by touch, especially to the eyes and conjunctivae, so if you already suffer from it, avoid the possibility of such contact. Likewise, beware of mechanical irritation in this area. With this irritation, chlamydiae can enter the intercellular space and infect other tissues.

Frequently asked questions about chlamydiosis

Chlamydia infections are very common, even in some age groups of women it is the most common sexually transmitted infection of the bacterial type. This brings with it a lot of interest on internet forums and a lot of questions or queries. Here are the most common ones:

Are there any over-the-counter medications or home treatments for chlamydia?

The only treatment that has proven results is the treatment indicated by the doctor, i.e. antibiotics. Any alternatives, such as some free nutritional supplements or home treatment using recipes with herbs, can only do you more complications.

Is chlamydia also a risk for women during pregnancy?

Yes, in pregnancy there is a problem with the proper development of the fetus and there is a risk of transmitting the infection to the newborn. The biggest problem during pregnancy is the occurrence of ectopic pregnancy, in case of transmission to the baby, he is at risk of infection of the eyes, ears and lungs.

Is the incidence of asymptomatic infection high?

It depends on whether we are talking about an infection in men or in women. In men, almost half of the cases are without the appearance of any visible symptoms. It is worse in women, where it is 80% of the time. The disease is thus only discovered after the partner has been tested for symptoms.

Can chlamydia cause infertility? If so, in men or women?

Yes, and this is true for both sexes. In women, infertility occurs when the infection passes from the lining of the vagina into the uterus and from there into the fallopian tubes, as it causes obstruction of the fallopian tubes. In men, it in turn invades the epididymis.

Is there any way to protect against chlamydia? Is there immunisation?

Unfortunately, there is no form of vaccine, so vaccination is not an option. As far as the formation of antibodies in the body after the infection has been overcome, these will indeed be formed for a certain period of time, but this will not prevent a new infection in the future.

How chlamydiosis drugs work

As chlamydia is a specific type of bacteria, antibiotics are used in the treatment and in oral form. For uncomplicated cases, treatment lasts 7 days for women and 10 days for men. If it is a chronic or recurrent infection, 2 to 3 weeks of treatment is needed.

Most antibiotics are used to treat the infection:

A proven treatment is the immediate deployment of antibiotics, which do not aim to destroy the infection completely, but rather to suppress chlamydia and germs so that the immune system can cope with them

Among medications, macrolide antibiotics, tetracyclines, quinolones or fluorinated quinolines are most commonly used. Currently, the most effective preparation is azithromycin, which can also be administered in a single dose. An alternative may be the use of doxycycline, which, however, cannot be used long-term because of adverse effects.

TREATMENT OF ALL SEXUAL PARTNERS

As chlamydial infection is highly infectious, it is necessary that not only the patient, but also those around the patient who have sexual contact with the patient, receive antibiotic treatment. This applies not only to the most recent partner, but to all partners from the most recent period.

Prevention of chlamydiosis

Considering that chlamydia is transmitted very easily by any direct sexual contact and at the same time many cases are asymptomatic, prevention is really very important in this case. This should include not only specific measures regarding the forms of transmission, but also the overall promotion of immunity through a healthy lifestyle.

Anyone who’s sexually active can capture chlamydia. You’re most at danger if you have a brand-new sexual partner or do not utilize a barrier technique of birth control, such as a prophylactic, when making love.

You can assist to avoid the spread of chlamydia by:

utilizing a prophylactic whenever you have vaginal or anal sex
utilizing a prophylactic to cover the penis throughout foreplay
utilizing a dam (a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex) to cover the female genital areas throughout foreplay or when rubbing female genital areas together
not sharing sex toys

If you do share sex toys, clean them or cover them with a brand-new prophylactic in between everyone who utilizes them.

Here are the most important preventive measures:

sexual intercourse – the best prevention against transmission is safe intercourse with a barrier contraceptive, i.e. a condom, even in the case of oral intercourse
changing sexual partners – due to the high infectiousness and the possibility of an asymptomatic course of infection, care should be taken with new sexual partners
hygiene – an important part of prevention is to maintain maximum hygiene in intimate areas, but this should not be overdone as this is also a risk factor
screening during pregnancy – as chlamydia can cause ectopic pregnancy and infect the foetus, testing for chlamydia at the beginning of pregnancy is a preventive measure