Chlamydia - Early Testing Can Prevent Long-Term Damage

Depending on the age group, up to ten percent of the global population is infected with chlamydia. Women and men are equally affected and can both transmit the bacteria.

Due to anatomical factors, young girls and women are particularly at risk of contracting chlamydia through unprotected sexual intercourse. In young girls, the cervix is especially susceptible to infection.

According to estimates, approximately 300,000 women in Germany contract a chlamydia infection each year.

Chlamydia bacteria are the causative agents of chlamydia infection. These bacteria multiply within human cells and cause various diseases depending on the species.

The most common pathogen is a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.

This bacterium causes:

• Genital diseases
• Inflammation of the eye, which can lead to blindness

Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci are other subgroups of Chlamydia:

• Chlamydia pneumoniae can cause inflammation of the bronchi and sinuses, as well as pneumonia.
• Chlamydia psittaci is responsible for the rare “parrot disease,” which resembles severe pneumonia.

Chlamydia is usually transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. The risk of chlamydia infection is particularly high among people who frequently change sexual partners and do not use condoms.

It is also possible for an infected pregnant woman to transmit chlamydia to her newborn child during childbirth.

The first symptoms of a chlamydia infection usually appear about one to three weeks after infection.

Chlamydia invades cells, multiplies there, and infects neighboring cells @ Olha /AdobeStock

These usually include:

• Itching
• Pain and a burning sensation when urinating
• purulent discharge from the genital area

However, in many cases, there are no noticeable symptoms. As a result, a chlamydia infection often goes undiagnosed. Nevertheless, those affected can unknowingly transmit the bacteria to their sexual partners.

If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to severe inflammation and infertility.

In infected men, the following areas often become inflamed:

• Urethra
• Prostate
• Epididymis

A strong urge to urinate and a pulling pain in the urethra are signs of such inflammation. Timely treatment can prevent infertility.

In women, a chlamydia infection leads to purulent inflammation of:

• the endometrium
• ovaries
• fallopian tubes

The affected woman experiences fever, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.

If the chlamydia infection remains untreated, it can lead to scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes, resulting in infertility. There is also a high risk of ectopic pregnancy.

According to estimates, approximately 100,000 women in Germany are infertile due to a chlamydia infection.

If pregnant women become infected with chlamydia, their risk of premature rupture of the amniotic sac or preterm or miscarriage increases. In addition, they can transmit chlamydia to their newborns during childbirth.

To diagnose a chlamydia infection, the doctor takes a swab and a urine sample during a physical examination. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing.

• Laboratory Analysis of Urine Samples and Swab Specimens

If antibodies are detected in the urine and the cell smear, a chlamydia infection is highly likely. The diagnosis can then be confirmed using additional specialized laboratory and molecular biological tests (cell culture).

Tests can be performed by dermatologists, gynecologists, and urologists @ New Africa /AdobeStock

• Alternative: Anonymous rapid chlamydia test

A chlamydia infection is a very personal matter. If you’re hesitant to see a doctor, you can take an anonymous rapid test. Be sure to choose a provider that professionally analyzes the test strips in a certified laboratory. Simple “at-home tests” often yield unreliable results.

Chlamydia infections are usually treated with antibiotics such as:

• macrolides
• Tetracyclines
• Doxycycline or 
• azithromycin

Pregnant women are usually prescribed antibiotics such as:

• erythromycin
• Amoxicillin or 
• Josamycin 

Depending on the medication, patients must take the antibiotic either as a single dose or over a period of up to two weeks.

Until the antibiotic treatment takes effect, the patient should refrain from sexual intercourse for at least one week.

The partner should also be examined.

A follow-up laboratory test is performed three weeks after the end of antibiotic therapy. During this test, the doctor determines whether the treatment was successful.

Provided a doctor detects the chlamydia infection in time and treats it with antibiotics, the prognosis is generally very good. 

The chlamydia infection usually clears up without causing any lasting damage. Only if the infection remains untreated or no treatment is administered can it lead to complications such as infertility.

In Germany, approximately 300,000 women are infected with chlamydia each year. About 100,000 women are infertile as a result of a chlamydia infection. Therefore, it is advisable for women to get tested for chlamydia once a year. Statutory health insurance plans cover the costs for women up to age 25.