Chlamydia (kla-mid-ee-uh) is a very common disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is contracted through sexual intercourse: anal, oral, vaginal. (NWHRC Health Center, 2005) This sexually transmitted disease affects both men and women of any age. Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects not only the columnar epithelium of the cervix but the urethra, and rectum as well. Also a common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections. (Park et al. , 2017) Risk Factors: Chlamydia trachomatis has shown a worldwide prevalence of 1%-6%.
As any other major or common diseases know, Chlamydia has many risk factors. Age, race/ethnicity, number and type of partner, use of contraceptives and further on. Age: A younger age (in the group of sexually active individuals) is consistently shown with the occurrence of the disease Chlamydia along with an increased risk of potentially contracting the disease. (Navarro et al. , 2002) There are multiple reasons as to why adolescents or young are adults are at greater risk to develop or contract an STD. The sexual behaviors of young adults are different as of those who are older.
Adolescents or young adults may be unable to implement the act of using a condom correctly and effectively. They may also be unable to comfortably communicate with their sexual partner(s) effectively about sexuality and less likely to acknowledge the risks associated with their sexual behaviors. (Navarro et al. , 2002) Number and type of partners: Having more than one sexual partner may increase the likelihood of contracting an STD such as Chlamydia, through the increased probability of choosing a partner with infection.
Having new or casual sexual partners may be related to an increased risk because of a reduced familiarity between partner(s). (Navarro et al. , 2002) Etiology: Chlamydia is an infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. When the disease is contacted, the bacteria can be shown present in the cervix, urethra, vagina, and rectum of an infected individual. The bacteria can also live and thrive in the throat of someone who is infected. Any type of sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) with an infected person can spread the infection.
An individual can become infected in the rectum when the disease spreads from the vagina or when sexual contact with an infected individual occurs. (Stoppler, 2016) Mechanism of Disease: When an individual is infected, symptoms are not always present. One may contract the disease and may not be aware until they receive a positive test from a doctor or their primary care provider. If an individual is sexually active or possesses multiple sexual partners they should be tested at least once or twice. When Chlamydia is left untreated it can result in much more aggressive consequences such as infertility in both men and women.
Signs and Symptoms: Chlamydia is commonly called “the silent disease” because around 75% of women and up to 50% of the men who are infected fail to show or experience any symptoms. Infections in relation to Chlamydia are mainly asymptomatic. (Holmes, 1999) In most women who are experiencing symptoms, the bacteria attack the opening to the uterus (cervix), the urethra, and even the urine canal. (PCNP, 2002) Although many symptoms are not commonly existent, women may notice an abnormal vaginal discharge and burning sensation at the time of urination.
When the disease ultimately spreads to the fallopian tubes, most women will still not experience any symptoms; Others may have lower abdominal pain, back pain, fever, nausea, pain at the time of sexual intercourse, and bleeding from the vagina between menstrual periods. (Holmes, 1999) Men who are infected may experience symptoms such as: discharge from the penis, a burning sensation at the time of urination, pain and swelling in one or both testicles although this is less common. CDC, 2017) Men and women that have been infected with the sexually transmitted disease in their rectum may experience rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding. (CDC, 2017)
Secondary Complications: If the sexually transmitted disease, Chlamydia is left untreated, significant reproductive problems along with additional health problems can become long-term consequences. When left untreated in men, Chlamydia typically causes a urethral infection that may spread and result in infertility. CDC, 2017) In women, the bacteria associated with Chlamydia often infect the cells that make up the cervix. This infection can eventually spread into the uterus and even the fallopian tubes. Women who are not treated for Chlamydia may result in retrieving Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection within the female reproductive system and organs, it is often spread through sexual contact. Untreated Chlamydia in males is also very problematic. Being left untreated, Chlamydia can eventually cause Epididymitis. Boskey, 2016)
Epididymitis is an infection of the tubes where sperm mature in the testicles. Men with this condition may experience shrinking of the infected testicle(s). They may also get abscesses, or pus-filled lesions, in their scrotum. As do women, when left untreated, men can become infertile. (Boskey, 2016) Prognosis: Chlamydia has no long-term effect on an individual if the proper treatment is given by a primary care provider. If the disease is left untreated, Chlamydia can cause an individual many more problems.
For example, women may experience severe abdominal and back pains when the disease travels to the fallopian tubes and uterus. In both men and women, infertility can rise as become a reality for those who do not receive the proper medical treatment necessary for the cure of the STD, Chlamydia. (Boskey, 2016) Prevention and Treatment: As many other STDs, Chlamydia can be prevented with the correct use of contraceptives such as condoms. Having a good relationship with sexual partner(s) and discussing any questions or concerns that may become apparent is also a way to prevent contacted the disease.
Asking sexual partner(s) about previous relationships and sexual partner(s) can help increase ones knowledge about their sexual partner(s) and any possible troubles that may arise from unprotected sex. Proper use of condoms and abstinence are the two dominant ways to prevent contracting an STD such as Chlamydia. Treatment: Individuals infected with Chlamydia should abstain from sexual activity for at least 7 days after taking the antibiotics to prevent spreading the infection to sexual partners.
It is very crucial to one’s health to take all of the medication prescribed to cure the disease, Chlamydia. Medication for the disease should not be shared with anyone for any apparent reason. Although medication is intended to stop the spread or growth of the infection, it will not repair or replace any damage already done by the disease. If an individual has symptoms that continue for more than a couple days after receiving treatment, they should return to a health care provider to be reevaluated and prescribed more antibiotics.
