Most common STDs: Chlamydia

Most common STDs: Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (according
to the WHO 50 million people get infected every year). As many other STDs, it does not
present symptoms until the infection is very advanced. In fact, these symptoms are
very likely not related to the bacteria that causes chlamydia, but rather to the
problems or diseases in which it derives when not promptly treated, the most
complex of which is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

But what is chlamydia and are exactly its symptoms?

There are 3 bacteria of the genus chlamydia that affect humans, although the most
important is Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacillus can cause trachoma, blindness, eye
and genital infections, pneumonia, including reactive arthritis -without known cure-
and chlamydia.
The latter is a sexually transmitted disease, we insist, of bacterial origin that causes
inflammation of the cervix or cervicitis. When not properly treated, it may also cause
pelvic inflammatory disease or PID, which causes abortions and sterility.
When chlamydia does present symptoms, these may include: penile discharge, a
burning sensation when urinating or inflammation of one or both testicles in men. In
women the infection can affect the rectum, causing pain, discharge or bleeding in this
area or abdominal discomfort.

Chlamydia: complications
Chlamydia is the most common STD in Western countries and, more specifically, in
Europe. There are, gender differences in its prevalence, as it is the only STD that
affects more women than men, especially those who are between 15 and 24 years old.

Chlamydia: diagnosis and treatment

Due to the seriousness of the consequences of not treating chlamydia in time, at the
slightest suspicion, it is advisable to go to the specialist. In fact, given its high
incidence, having unprotected sexual relations would be reason enough to
recommend discarding contagion through the following methods:

-ELISA, DNA tests or other molecular biology techniques in genital exudate samples.

- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to facilitate detection of the bacteria by

expanding the genetic material of the same.

In spite of its seriousness, the treatment indicated for chlamydia is relatively simple
and frequently consists of a single dose of antibiotics. The partner or sexual partners
must also be treated.
After three months, whether or not symptoms or anomalies are perceived, it is
recommended to take the test again to confirm the patient's full recovery.

How to prevent chlamydia

Prevention of STDs is treated in former posts. We recommend reading them, keeping

in mind that sexual education, monogamy and the use of condoms are crucial and
basic measures in the prevention of this “silent” disease.

We hope this article has been useful for you. You will find further information at the
website of the Unidad de la Mujer. You can also contact us at the number (+34) 917
303 673