Say No to Chlamydia

Many people are infected with chlamydia. Don't be one of them.

 

Chlamydia is one of the most frequent sexually transmitted diseases. (jlp)

 

Chlamydia is one of the most widely spread sexually transmitted diseases, which mostly threatens young people from 16 to 24 years of age. It often occurs without any warning signs, so it often happens that it is not found in time and is not treated, which can be really harmful! The treatment can be simple and effective, however, the infection must be discovered soon enough.

 

Men who don't treat trachomatis chlamydia are a constant source of infection. (jlp)

 

Chlamydia with men

 

 

Chlamydia can cause an unspecific infection of the urethra (urethritis). The specific signs are a small, hardly noticeable excretion from the urethra, mild problems when urinating accompanied by burning sensations, more frequent, difficult or irregular urinating. These signs of the disease exhibit themselves after intercourse, and the incubation period is one to three weeks. If not treated in time, it can lead to a chronic infection, which causes many complications like infections of the prostate (prostatitis), epididymis (epididymitis) or even infertility. Men not treated for a trachomatis chlamydia infection often cause it and are constant carriers of the disease!

 

What is chlamydia like with women?

 

 

Trachomatis chlamydia infects the uterine cervix and the urethra. The signs of urethritis (infection of the urethra) are similar as with men. An infection of the uterine cervix (cervicitis) does not usually exhibit many symptoms. It is possible that there will be increased excretion (of yellow color) from the vagina and that there will be bleeding after intercourse. The incubation period for an infection of the uterine cervix is one or two weeks after intimate relations with the infected partner.

Younger women are more prone to the infection with trachomatis chlamydia because of physiological differences and they also have more sexual partners.

When a chlamydia infection is not treated, this can cause infections of the sexual organs, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of pregnancy outside the uterus. It can also cause infertility, a belated miscarriage or premature birth.

Chlamydia can also be transmitted from a mother to a newborn. It is frequent especially with babies born prematurely, where a chlamydia infection of the eyes and chlamydia fever may occur. A possible consequence is also a conjunctiva infection, if the fingers were in contact with the vaginal excretion.

 

Chlamydia may lead to infertility. (jlp)

 

What are the risk factors?

 

 

The most important is a risky pattern of sexual behavior in both partners. Young people are prone to bacterial infections for physiological reasons and the psychological characteristics of the young generations contribute as well. These characteristics are lack of awareness and knowledge and a lack of responsibility for one's sexual life.

 

What is the right way to protect ourselves?

 

 

The best protection is a monogamous relationship of two partners. The chances of the infection diminish if we do not have sexual intercourse with a partner likely to be infected with chlamydia. Because it is hard to know who carries and transmits chlamydia, prevention during intercourse is that much more important.

 

The best protection is a latex condom, used from the start to the end of intercourse (vaginal, oral or anal). It is advisable to use a lubricant as well. It should be based on water, not oil, because the latter can damage the condom. Use spermicide in the vagina as well, but follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Avoid rough shagging, so that you do not damage the skin, the surface of the vagina and the mucous membrane or the colon.

 

Chlamydia trachomatis is today the most common bacterially generated STD. (jlp)

 

Diagnosis and treatment

 

 

Chlamydia infection is discovered with a microbiological research of clinically obtained urethra, uterine cervix and urine samples. Simple infections of the uterine cervix and the urethra are treated with antibiotics (pyranosides, tetracyclines, quinolones). The drug Azithromycin is allowed only with the patient’s consent and in one dosage.

 
In case of a chlamydia infection, turn to the appropriate experts for help because long-term infections may cause infertility.

 

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