Chlamydia Symptoms: Early Signs of This Common STD & Treatment

Chlamydia Symptoms: A Guide to Sexual Health Awareness

Chlamydia symptoms are often not noticeable, particularly in the early stages of infection. It is not life-threatening, but if left untreated, it can cause severe sexual complications. Common symptoms include vaginal or penile discharge, lower abdominal pain, and pain during urination. Additionally, doxycycline and azithromycin are the most common antibiotics to treat chlamydia.

Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many recent studies show variable prevalence rates, particularly among high-risk populations like HIV-positive women and female sex workers, ranging from 1.1% to 45% in India.

Here, we will highlight some common chlamydia symptoms and various ways to detect this condition. Read this blog to learn more about specific treatments to resolve this condition permanently.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia exhibits different symptoms in males and females depending on the severity. Here, we will highlight the symptoms of chlamydia in both genders. These include:

1. Common Symptoms in Women

These are some common chlamydia symptoms in women that usually occur in the later stages of infection:
 

1. Vaginal discharge: Chlamydia-related discharge is usually mucopurulent and yellowish, not thick or curd-like.
2. Pain during urination: Individuals experience frequent burning or painful sensations when urinating. This happens because the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis primarily affect the urethra.
3. Bleeding between periods: Women experience spotting or bleeding outside the regular menstrual cycle. Chlamydia bacteria cause inflammation of the cervix, making the uterine and cervical tissues more fragile and prone to bleeding.
4. Lower abdominal pain: In some cases, chlamydia can cause severe lower abdominal pain and discomfort. This occurs due to the spreading of infection to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

2. Common Symptoms in Men

Here are a few chlamydia symptoms in males, which they usually exhibit in the later stages:

1. Penile discharge: The bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis infect the male urethra, causing inflammation and swelling. Frequent inflammation and irritation of the urethra result in the production of discharge, exhibiting a cloudy or milky appearance.
2. Pain or swelling in the testicles: Chlamydia in men can cause inflammation of the epididymis, resulting in the development of orchitis. It exhibits inflammation and pain in the testicles.
3. Rectal pain or bleeding: In some cases, chlamydia can cause pain or bleeding in the rectum. This arises primarily due to an inflammation of the rectum (proctitis), often resulting from receptive anal sex.
4. Increased urge to urinate: Many patients experience frequent urination, sometimes with discomfort. Intense inflammation causes the urethral muscle to spasm, creating a sensation that the bladder is full, leading to frequent urination.
    

How to Diagnose Chlamydia?

There are various ways healthcare providers diagnose chlamydia. In this section, we will delve into a detailed explanation of these diagnostic approaches. These include:

• Urine Sample Collection: Healthcare providers typically collect a fresh urine sample from male patients in a sterile container. They recommend that the patient avoid urinating for at least two hours before providing the sample. Conversely, for women, they collect vaginal, cervical, or anal swabs to detect chlamydia symptoms.
• NAAT Analysis: Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAAT) are highly sensitive and specific for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis. It amplifies the DNA or RNA of the bacterium, making it easier to detect and identify. Doctors use this amplified DNA sample to examine the bacterial gene through various methods.
• Direct Fluorescent Antibody Testing: Direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) testing for chlamydia involves using fluorescently labelled antibodies to identify the bacteria in clinical specimens. The process includes collecting a specimen and then staining it with fluorescent antibodies, which experts examine under a microscope. Positive results show fluorescent elementary bodies, the infectious form of chlamydia, within the cells.
• Bacterial Culture: Many doctors use bacterial culture to detect chlamydia because it is less sensitive. In this diagnostic test, healthcare providers collect a sample and inoculate it into cell cultures to allow the bacteria to grow, if present in the sample. After inoculation, they determine the presence of infection by observing the growth of characteristic inclusion bodies within the cultured cells.

What are the treatments for chlamydia?

Chlamydia is curable and does not cause any serious complications if there is an early intervention. Both sexual partners must get proper treatment to prevent reinfection. Additionally, it is crucial to abstain from sexual activity during treatment and until both partners are completely cured from the infection.

Here, we will discuss some antibiotics that are effective for the treatment of chlamydia symptoms. These include:

• Azithromycin: Azithromycin is the first-line drug that doctors prescribe for the treatment of chlamydia. It is typically prescribed as a single 1 g oral dose for uncomplicated chlamydia. and its mandatory to complete the course for complete recovery. This antibiotic blocks chlamydial protein synthesis in host cell-free chlamydia reticulate bodies, inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Doxycycline: Doxycycline is also another first-line drug that many doctors prescribe for the treatment of chlamydia. Patients typically take this medication twice a day for 7 days for complete recovery from the symptoms. Doxycycline inhibits the normal protein synthesis of the bacterium, hindering its multiplication and growth in the affected areas.

What are the complications of chlamydia?

Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health problems, particularly in women. Let us discuss some of the complications of chlamydia symptoms, which include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease: This infection can damage the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, leading to chronic pelvic pain.
• Ectopic pregnancy: If chlamydia is left untreated, it can cause ectopic pregnancy, where a pregnancy occurs outside the uterus. It is a dangerous condition for both the mother and the foetus.
• Infertility: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, which can make it difficult or impossible to conceive.
   

In men, it can lead to epididymitis, causing swelling, pain, and potentially affecting fertility. However, it can also cause various complications in infants, which include:

• Conjunctivitis: Sometimes, chlamydia infection can cause conjunctivitis in infants.
• Pneumonia: In some cases, it can lead to the development of pneumonia in infants.
• Low birth weight: Babies may sometimes be born underweight.

How to Prevent Chlamydia Infection?

In this section, we will highlight and discuss some of the common preventive measures for chlamydia infection. These include:

• Correct use of a condom: Use a male latex condom or a female polyurethane condom during every sexual activity.
• Regular STI screenings: Always get tested for STIs, including chlamydia, if you are sexually active.
• Doxy PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis): Taking doxycycline within 72 hours after having sexual intercourse may reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhoea.
   

Final Thoughts

Chlamydia often has no noticeable symptoms, which makes early detection crucial for both partners. It is important to treat the chlamydia symptoms of both partners to prevent reinfection. However, if anyone is pregnant and suffering from chlamydia, early medical intervention is required to protect the baby. Chlamydia can be transmitted to infants during vaginal delivery, leading to conjunctivitis or pneumonia.