Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs in young people. If you are worried about a chlamydia STD infection, check out the symptoms, testing and treatment options.
About Chlamydia
Chlamydia is fairly common (almost a pandemic, some might say).
Women have double the infection rates than men (especially in 15-25 age group).
It's easily treatable (with a few antibiotics).
Symptoms aren't always easy to spot (it's mostly asymptotic).
A simple at home STD test can help confirm chlamydiosis (with an easy urine sample).
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be a pain (literally).
They take the fun out of a relationship or potential partnership when meeting new people.
There is a long list of STDs that can infect young people. But the bacterial infection chlamydia is one of the most common.
Only a fraction of cases are reported (nothing to brag about, is it?).
Still, here are a few numbers to show the scale of "Chlam" infections:
CDC says US had 1.6 million chlamydia cases in 2022 (only a fraction of real cases due to asymptotic nature of the disease).
WHO estimates 128 million new cases worldwide (in ages 15-50).
European CDC data show about 1 in 1000 person with chlamydia in EU.
Chlamydia or "Chlam" is only one of several sexually transmitted diseases in men but it's even more common in women.
In the 15-25 years age group, women are twice more likely than men to report an infection.
CDC and other healthcare agencies regularly track STI. Their 2022 data show over 1.6 millions known cases of chlamydia or "chlam".
A Chlamydia infection is often asymptotic—you might not see or feel anything.
Those with symptoms may need one month to a year to show them.
Almost seventy percent symptoms show around cervix or testicles.
An inflamed red-eye is also known symptom of chlamydia.
For actual images of what chlamydia looks like, see the slides 18 to 26 on this STD Lecture Series.
Chlamydial infection mainly spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sex.
Sexual transmission is very effective—at 55% between sexual partners.
That means an infected partner can transfer chlamydia within two sexual events. It seems men can transfer it more easily to women than the other way round.
It can also transfer from a mother to child during pregnancy.
The culprit behind the STD chlamydia are the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.
The name of the chlamydia STD causing bacteria comes from trachoma (which means blindness).
C. trachomatis is known to cause the red-eye disease conjunctivitis and blindness. In newborns infected with chlamydia, red-eye disease is a common symptom (and pneumonia).
Most people have no symptoms of chlamydia.
But when visible, they are often around sexual organs, rectum and throat.
Abnormal vaginal discharge.
Pain during intercourse.
A burning sensation during urination.
In some cases, women may also experience pain in the lower abdomen or bleeding between periods.
Discharge from the penis.
A burning sensation during urination.
Pain or swelling in one or both testicles.
Rare complications when infection spreads to the epididymis, a tube that carries sperm from the testicles.
Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat. Rectal chlamydia may cause symptoms like rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding
Throat infections are usually asymptomatic but can still transmit to the partner.
If tested and treated in time, there are rarely any long term effects of chlamydia.
Persistent infection of chlamydia for long time can cause infertility and other serious problems, e.g., an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (where the baby forms outside the womb).
Chlam can cause chronic pain the pelvic area as well as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
Because chlamydia is often asymptomatic, regular testing is the only way to find out an infection.
Anyone who is sexually active, especially with multiple partners or do not consistently use protection is at much higher risk.
Testing for chlamydia is straightforward with an at home STD test.
A urine test for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis can be collected at home and mailed to a CLIA-certified lab.
Sometimes a swab of the affected area, such as the cervix, urethra, or throat maybe used.
Regular screening for chlamydia is highly recommended, especially for sexually active women under the age of 25, pregnant women, and men who have sex with men.
Early detection through testing is crucial, as it allows for prompt treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
Chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics, despite it being so common.
A course of oral antibiotics, usually azithromycin or doxycycline, is the most common treatment for chlamydia infection.
You should complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms disappear before the medication is finished.
This ensures that the infection is fully eradicated and reduces the risk of complications or transmission to others.
After treatment, abstain from sexual activity for at least seven days to prevent spreading the infection.
Additionally, sexual partners should be informed and tested to ensure they receive treatment if necessary.
Retesting after three months is also recommended, as reinfection is possible.
Prevention is key to avoiding chlamydia and other STDs.
Using condoms regularly and correctly during a sexual activity can reduce the risk of transmission.
Limiting sexual partners and keeping monogamous relationships, with a partner who has tested negative for STDs, can also lower your risk.
Regular testing and communication with partners about sexual health are essential for preventing any STD infection.
Timely detection, treatment, and responsible sexual practices can help protect your health and the health of your partners.
Chlamydia and Koalas
Koalas carry two different forms of chlamydia infections that have infected up to 90% of certain groups.
Infected Koala might have red inflamed eyes, 'wet bottom' due to stained fur from urine infection, and constant crying due to pain.
Chlamydia in Koalas can affect their fertility rate, a serious concern for this endangered species.
Because symptoms may not be visible or take a long time to appear, it's challenging to test and treat them.
There is no known evidence of chlamydia transferring from Koalas to human being.
Order a Chlamydia STD Test kit that checks for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis with a urine sample.
What are the Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections? - a concise list and short summary.
Trichomoniasis - About Trich STD, Symptoms and Treatment - learn about this most common sexually transmitted infection.
Hormone Imbalance in Women - Role of Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone - learn about key hormones for living a full life.
Hormone Testing - Role of FSH and LH Hormone Levels - how the two key hormones change with age.
Testosterone and Aging - an in-depth summary of science behind the male hormone.
