Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs are a global pandemic that has affected humans for centuries. The best known and most worrying at present is HIV, which also has no known cure at the moment, but it is not the only STD that exists.

Gonorrhea or syphilis are also old acquaintances of humanity (the second has been responsible for the death of a large number of historical figures) although fortunately despite being highly dangerous they are treated today.

But perhaps the most common, and at the same time quite less well known, sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia . It is about the latter that we are going to talk in this article.

Chlamydia: what is it?

Chlamydia or chlamydiasis is, as mentioned above, a sexually transmitted disease (or sexually transmitted infection) caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis . This is the most common STI, being present in a high percentage of the population and in many cases existing asymptomatically. Although it is considered a minor venereal disease by the majority of the population, the truth is that can have severe consequences for those who suffer from it if they do not receive treatment .

This infection can occur in both men and women in the genitals (urethra or uterus), anus or throat depending on the route of transmission. Young people, especially women, who have multiple sexual partners , who do not use condoms or who have previously had another sexually transmitted infection are at greater risk of contracting it.

It is a type of infection that is not very discussed at a social level, and it is common for infected people to present symptoms (this being one of the reasons why it is more prevalent, since by not noticing anything, those infected continue to spread the disease).

Also, one aspect to take into account is that chlamydia usually occurs along with other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, and the fact that facilitates the risk of those who suffer from it contracting other STDs , including HIV.

Main symptoms and phases

One of the main problems with chlamydia is that in a large number of cases the infection is silent, with no noticeable symptoms. However, this does not mean that the infection does not progress, and it can cause the same health problems as the rest of the population if it is not treated.

In those subjects with chlamydia symptoms, the symptoms differ slightly between men and women .

For men, it is common for an infection to appear in the urethra between one and three weeks after sexual contact, manifested by pain on urination and the discharge of a milky substance (which may be whitish or transparent), especially in the morning. These secretions can become impregnated and stain underwear. There may be inflammation in the testicles and pain in the penis . If the sex has been anal or oral, the infection appears in these areas. In the eyes it can cause conjunctivitis.

In the case of women, it is not uncommon for there to be alterations in the flow in terms of timing, quantity or even coloration (yellowing). This flow can have a strong smell . Pain usually appears during intercourse or urination.

In summary, both men and women often experience pain or itching when urinating or having sex, as well as belly pain. It is not uncommon to have milky discharge from the penis in men or vaginal bleeding out of time or a yellowish discharge in women. In the case of anal, oral or ocular infection, it is not uncommon for pain, itching, secretions, bleeding or inflammation to appear in these areas. These infections can generate episodes of fever .

The spread of this disease

Something very common in sexually transmitted diseases is the lack of knowledge by the majority of the population regarding the routes of transmission that exist. In the case of chlamydia, it is transmitted in most cases through sexual contact with an infected person , regardless of whether or not ejaculation occurs .

Infection can occur when there is vaginal or anal penetration, as well as oral penetration, without any kind of barrier method (condom or other barrier methods). This last detail is important, since a large number of people are unaware of the risk of infection by this route.

In addition to this type of contact, infection can also occur if semen or vaginal fluid comes into contact with other mucous membranes , such as the eyes, when the hands touch these fluids. Chlamydia is also an infection that can be transmitted to a baby during delivery, if the mother is infected.

Other types of contact, such as airborne contact or contact with saliva in the case of sneezing, kissing or drinking from the same glass does not allow the spread of this disease. It is also important to take into account that overcoming this disease does not provide immunity to it, so new sexual contacts with infected people can generate a reinfection.

Consequences

From this point of view, it may seem that chlamydia is not an excessively serious disease, but the truth is that it can have very relevant consequences for personal health and well-being, or even cause death in some cases.

Untreated chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease that can cause infertility and can even lead to an ectopic pregnancy (where the fertilized egg develops outside the uterus and usually in the fallopian tubes, which can rupture the area and lead to death from internal bleeding) for women.

In the case of transmission to a fetus during delivery, chlamydia can lead to problems of eye infections and even pneumonia in the infant, or even the birth of low-birth-weight babies. It also greatly increases the possibility of miscarriage .

Treatment

One of the reasons why chlamydia is often underestimated is the fact that it has a curative treatment today that can be applied relatively easily . However, this treatment will cure the chlamydia infection but not any other damage it has caused.

The treatment of chlamydia is mainly based on the administration of antibiotics, with different modalities (there is even a single-dose version). The other major pillar that must be taken into account when eradicating this disease is prevention: it is necessary to use condoms or barrier methods when we have vaginal, anal or oral sex when we are not in a monogamous relationship or have multiple sexual partners.

It is also advisable to get tested from time to time if you are a population at risk, if you are planning to conceive or if there is an ongoing pregnancy. In case of infection, you should avoid having sex until you have finished the treatment. Sexual partner(s) should also be treated even if they have no symptoms. It is advisable to have the test done around three months after it has been completed .

Bibliographic references:

  • Braunwald, E.; Fauci, A.S.; Kasper, D.L.; Hauser, S.T.; Longo, D.L. & Jameson, J.L. (2001).Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine.15th Edition. McGraw Hill.
  • National Institute of Health (n.d.). Chlamydia infections. MedlinePlus. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/chlamydiainfections.html
  • Workowski, K.A.; Bolan, G.A. (2015) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep.;64(RR-03):1-137