eyelid - where it causes conjunctivitis and the blindness-causing tropical
disease trachoma. But in its guise as an STI it is better
known for infecting the surfaces of the urethra, the neck and lining of
the womb, the fallopian tubes, rectum and throat.
How is it transmitted?
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Chlamydia is passed on primarily during anal or vaginal
sex, or less frequently through oral sex. Chlamydia can be passed even
if the penis or tongue does not go all the way into the vagina, mouth
or rectum, and even if body fluids are not exchanged. Eye infections in
adults may result when discharge carries the disease into the eye during
sex or hand-to-eye contact. A newborn baby can also contract it during
delivery; this may result in eye infections or pneumonia.
The symptoms?
Most women, and some men, have none. However, in most men, symptoms usually
develop within seven to 21 days after contact. The symptoms are similar
to those of gonorrhoea, and the two infections are often confused. When
men have symptoms they can be minor, but you can have a discharge from
the penis, and pain/burning sensation while peeing. While most women do
not have any symptoms, you may have slight vaginal discharge or abdominal
pain.
Other symptoms will depend on where the bacteria is targeting, so both
men and women might experience inflamed rectum, inflamed urethra and conjunctivitis.
How is it treated?
It is diagnosed from a urine sample or a swab culture taken from the infected
area. Treatment is with one of many antibiotics. Some can be administered
in a single dose and are effective against other STIs with similar symptoms.
Why worry about chlamydia?
Untreated chlamydia in women may lead to serious problems. Pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID) is a
serious infection of a woman's reproductive organs. Cystitis (inflammation of the urinary bladder), and mucopurulent cervicitis, which is a yellow discharge from the cervix, may
