by Kristie Leong

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 09, 2008

If you've been diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease Chlamydia, you're not alone. This infection which involves the urinary tract and reproductive organs is one of the most commonly diagnosed STD's in the United States. Although both men and women can be infected with the bacteria that causes Chlamydia, it's slightly more common in women. Because women are less likely than men to experience symptoms with this infection, diagnosis can be delayed in females. Early diagnosis is critical since a delay in Chlamydia treatment can have serious health consequences in a female including infertility and can even be transmitted to a pregnant women's baby during delivery.

What causes this common sexually transmitted disease? Chlamydia infections are caused by a bacterium known as Chlamydia trachomatis which is passed from person to person through unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse or even through oral sex. Chlamydia symptoms, when present, usually begin about two weeks after exposure. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all.

Symptoms experienced with Chlamydia infections may differ depending on the sex of the affected individual. A man infected with Chlamydia trachomatis often experiences a clear or cloudy, watery discharge from the penis as well as a tingling or burning sensation when urinating. There can also be general genital itching and penile irritation. When Chlamydia symptoms are present in women they may include vague urinary tract symptoms, vaginal discharge, lower abdominal or back discomfort, irregular vaginal bleeding, and pain with intercourse. Some or all of these symptoms may be completely absent. If transmission occurred via the rectum, there may be rectal tenderness and discharge.

If Chlamydia symptoms are left untreated, serious health consequences may result. Women can develop a condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease which is characterized by inflammation of the fallopian tubes. This can lead to future infertility as well as increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy which is a pregnancy present outside the womb. There's also the risk of transmission of the infection to the unborn fetus if the woman happens to be pregnant. Untreated Chlamydia symptoms in men can lead to inflammation of the urethra which forms part of the outflow tract for urine. It can also result in inflammation of the tubes which connect to the testicles leading to a condition known as epididymitis. This condition can be quite painful and lead to scarring.

When the diagnosis of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is suspected, confirmation is relatively easy. Swabs may be taken of the infected areas and sent for laboratory testing to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Chlamydia treatment can be initiated. Treatment generally consists of antibiotics given in a single dose or over the course of a week. Antibiotics should eradicate the bacteria and cure the infection. It's important that all sexual partners be treated to prevent spread of the infection from person to person. Those undergoing Chlamydia treatment are instructed to avoid sexual contact until antibiotic therapy is complete and resolution of the infection is confirmed.

Fortunately, most cases of Chlamydia trachomatis infection resolve completely if diagnosed before complications develop. The best way to avoid this infection is to practice safe sex using a condom which is thought to reduce transmission of this disease.

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