Chlamydia

It 'a very common Sexually Transmissible Disease (STD) and is caused by a bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. It is transmitted through unprotected sex of any kind (oral, vaginal, anal).
Chlamydia infection can often be "Silent" because its symptoms are not always obvious, and can often be misdiagnosed. Albeit characterized by very light signs and symptoms, on the long run, if left untreated, it could cause serious reproductive harm (especially in women).
Who is infected with chlamydia runs a five times higher risk of being infected with HIV during unprotected sex with HIV-positive people.
Once healed, the hosts do not acquire immunity to subsequent infections: they can in fact be re-infected other times.

How is it transmitted?

- With unprotected sex: they are at risk ALL types of relationships (oral, anal, vaginal).
- Pursuing unprotected oral sex (both active and passive).
- With the simple contact between the genitals.
- Through mutual masturbation.
- Using a contaminated genital instruments.
- With exchange and use of contaminated sex toys.
- With the passage of bacteria from infected mother to child during childbirth.

What are the symptoms?

In men (from one to three weeks after contact):
- It is often asymptomatic
- Burning at the tip and along the penis
- Loss of genital fluid
- Pain in the rectum (if transmitted during anal intercourse)

In women:
- It is often asymptomatic
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Annoying feeling of irritation
- Pain in the lower abdomen and back
- Nausea
- Fever
- Bleeding secretion loss outside the normal menstrual cycle
- Pain in the rectum (if transmitted during anal intercourse)

What happens if untreated?

If left untreated, the consequences can arise even up to long-term leading, in women, to: pelvic inflammatory disease, permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus and surrounding tissues resulting in chronic pain, infertility and risk of ectopic pregnancies.
Infertility in men is less likely, but the infection can affect the testicles, causing pain and fever.
Rarely can occur: arthritis, epidermal lesions, eye and urethra inflammation.

How is it diagnosed?

Through a urine test and a culture of infected tissue. If you have had unprotected sex or if you doubt that you contracted chlamydia, ask your doctor or go to the Unit Sexually Transmitted Diseases closest to you to carry out the tests.
If it is positive, it’s important to inform all the people with whom you have had sex in the last 6 months and advise them to make the necessary tests.

How is it treated?

Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. The therapy should be done properly, in strict accordance with instructions of the medical staff, to avoid the appearance of resistance.
It should be remembered that, once healed, host will not become immune to subsequent infections. It also greatly increases the chance that the recurrent infection will have more serious consequences.

How to prevent it?

- With the correct use of condoms during sexual intercourse, from beginning to end.
- Avoiding unprotected sex with infected people.
- Using a condom to protect the objects used for the sexual practice.
- Using a condom from the beginning even during oral sex.
- Performing the periodic tests (at least annually) if you have casual and frequent with more people.