Chlamydia: A Common Sexually Transmitted Infection
- On 16/03/2026
Definition of chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is primarily transmitted thru unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person. It mainly affects the genitals, but can also affect the throat, anus, or eyes in some cases.
This infection is particularly common among sexually active young adults. The main problem is that many infected people do not know they are, which facilitates the spread of the disease.
Causes and mode of transmission
Chlamydia is primarily transmitted thru sexual contact. The most common modes of transmission are:
- unprotected vaginal intercourse
- unprotected anal sex
- oral sex with an infected person
- contact with infected genital secretions mother-to-baby transmission during childbirth
It is important to note that chlamydia is not transmitted thru daily contacts such as handshakes, toilets, or sharing objects.
Symptoms of chlamydia
In many cases, chlamydia does not cause any symptoms. It is estimated that a large proportion of infected individuals feel nothing for a long time.
Symptoms in women
When symptoms appear in women, they may include:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- pain in the lower abdomen
- a burning sensation during urination
- pain during sexual intercourse bleeding between periods or after sexual intercourse.
Symptoms in men
In men, the symptoms can be:
- an abnormal discharge from the penis
- a burning sensation during urination
- pain or swelling of the testicles.
Treatement
Chlamydia is effectively treated with antibiotics. The most commonly used medications are:
- Azithromycin
- Doxycycline.
It is very important to follow the treatment to the end, even if the symptoms disappear quickly. Sexual partners must also be treated to avoid reinfection.
During treatment, it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse until complete recovery.