Chlamydia

What is it? It is a sexually transmitted bacteria that infects the urethra, the cervix and the rectum. How do you get it? The bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is passed between people by direct contact with infected sexual fluids from the genitals. Actual penetration is not necessary for the bacteria to be transmitted. Close contact like rubbing between a penis and vagina, or a penis and penis prior to condom use, or masturbation with the sexual fluids of another person may be enough to transmit the bacteria if one partner has the infection. If the bacteria from the genitals is rubbed into the eye, it is possible but not common, to get an eye infection (conjunctivitis). The eye infection causes itchiness and blurred vision. Chlamydia can also be spread from an infected woman's cervix to a baby during delivery. All babies in BC are treated with erythromycin eye drops after delivery to prevent the possibility of an eye infection. What are the symptoms? a burning feeling when urinating change in periods, or more painful periods bleeding or blood spotting from the vagina pain during sex pain in the lower stomach area need to urinate more often slight fever Estimates vary on how many men with Chlamydia have no symptoms, but it is probably about half. Symptoms may be mild and can include: abnormal fluid from penis pain with urination an itching feeling inside the penis . This may be a tingling or itch in the urethra; sometimes referred to as "urethral awareness". need to urinate more often Chlamydia can also infect the rectum through rectal intercourse, and cause no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are the same as those for gonorrhea and may include: discharge from the rectum rectal pain mucous with stools painful bowel movements anal lesions redness in the anal area Treatment Chlamydia infections are cured with specific antibiotics. There are two current suggested options: Azithromycin (1g) taken once or Doxycycline taken twice daily for a week. Other antibiotics may be prescribed if you are pregnant or allergic to these ones. Sexual partners also need treatment, otherwise the infection can pass back and forth between you. Do not have sexual intercourse, even protected, until 1 week after both partners have been treated properly. What if I don't get it treated? If chlamydia remains untreated, you may have the following: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Reiter's Syndrome Ectopic pregnancy Infertility How common is it? Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STD in Canada. This infection is most common in sexually active adults under 25 yrs. In BC in 2000, there were 6,193 cases of chlamydia reported. This means a rate of 152.3 per 100,000 people. This remains higher than the Canadian rate of 141.8. Since 1997, the chlamydia rate in BC has been increasing. Female case numbers are more than double the number of male cases. This may be due to lower rates of chlamydia screening in men compared to women. What's the test like? For men The testing for men is usually done with a urine sample. It's important not to urinate for at least two hours before giving a sample because the test is for bacteria within the urethra. Urinating may flush out the evidence and give a falsely negative test result. Currently, far fewer men test than women, accounting for only 25-30% of cases. It seems clear that many men are unaware of the fact they are infected. Men need to be encouraged to test more routinely. If a man has rectal symptoms, a swab for chlamydia can detect the disease. For women The test sample for a woman is usually taken from the opening of the cervix. During a speculum exam, a cotton/rayon tipped swab is placed in the cervix and gently rotated to collect any bacteria. Do not assume that if you are having a Pap test that this covers chlamydia. Talk to your health care provider -these are different tests even though both samples are taken from the cervix. If a woman has rectal symptoms, a swab can be done to determine if chlamydia is the cause. Chlamydia in Pregnancy Some antibiotics are not to be taken during pregnancy. It is important to let your health care provider know if you are pregnant and have tested positive for chlamydia. Your partner needs to be treated as well, with a repeat test 3-4 weeks after treatment to make sure the chlamydia is gone. Infection during pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), infection of the placenta/amniotic sac (membrane surrounding baby), premature delivery, low birth weight babies and infection (eyes, lungs, ears) in the newborn. Related Conditions NGU, GC, Cervicitis, PID Reportable: Chlamydia is a reportable STD Links Medline Plus - A comprehensive site with information directed towards special groups such as women and teens. Research, treatment and screening information. Planned Parenthood - Also includes information on Reiter's Syndrome.