Chlamydia - early testing can prevent permanent damage

Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. The bacterial species Chlamydia trachomatis is usually responsible for the infection. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent damage such as infertility.

Frequency of chlamydia infections

Depending on the age group, up to ten percent of the population worldwide are infected with chlamydia. Women and men are equally affected and are also carriers of the bacteria.

For anatomical reasons,young girls and women are particularly at risk of contracting chlamydia through unprotected sexual intercourse. The cervix is particularly easy to infect in young girls.

It is estimated that around 300,000 women in Germany contract a chlamydia infection every year.

Causes of a chlamydia infection

Chlamydia isthe causative agent of chlamydia infection . These bacteria multiply in human body cells and cause various diseases depending on the type.

The most common pathogen is a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis.

This bacterium causes:

• Diseases in the genital area
• Inflammation of the eye, which can result in blindness

Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci are further chlamydia subgroups:

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

Chlamydia is usually transmitted throughunprotected sexual intercourse. The risk of chlamydia infection is particularly high in people who have frequently changing sexual partners and do not use a condom.

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

Symptoms of a chlamydia infection

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

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

The most common symptoms are:

• Itching
• Pain and burning when urinating
• Purulent discharge in the genital area

Often, however, there are no noticeable symptoms. This is why a chlamydia infection often remains undetected. Nevertheless, those affected can unknowingly transmit the pathogens to their sexual partners.

If the diseasespreads, severe inflammation and infertility can follow.

Consequences of chlamydia in men

Infected men often develop inflammation of the

• Urethra
• prostate
• Epididymis

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

Consequences of the infection in women

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

• Endometrium
• ovaries
• Fallopian tubes

The affected woman suffers from fever, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain.

If the chlamydia infection remains untreated, scarring and adhesions of the fallopian tubes can follow, leading to infertility. There is also a high risk of ectopic pregnancy.

It is estimated that around 100,000 women in Germany are infertile due to a chlamydia infection.

If pregnant women become infected with chlamydia, the risk of premature rupture of the membranes or premature birth or miscarriage increases. They can also infect their newborn children with chlamydia during birth.

Diagnosis of a chlamydia infection

To diagnose a chlamydia infection , the doctor takes a swab and a urine sample as part of a physical examination . These are then examined in the laboratory.

• Laboratory examination of urine samples and smear material

If antibodies are found in the urine and cell smear, there is a high probability of a chlamydia infection. The diagnosis can then be confirmed with the help of further special laboratory and molecular biological tests (cultivation of cell cultures).

Tests can be carried out by doctors for skin and sexually transmitted diseases, gynecology and urology @ New Africa /AdobeStock

• Alternative: anonymous chlamydia rapid test

A chlamydia infection is a very intimate matter. If you are reluctant to go to the doctor, you can take an anonymous rapid test. Make sure that you choose a provider who analyzes the test strip professionally in a certified laboratory. Pure "home tests" often provide unreliable results.

Treatment of a chlamydia infection

Chlamydia infections are usually treated with antibiotics such as

• Macrolides
• tetracyclines
• doxycycline or
• azithromycin

Pregnant women are usually given antibiotics such as

• Erythromycin
• amoxicillin or
• Josamycin

Depending on the preparation, those affected must take the antibiotic once or over a period of up to two weeks.

Patients should refrain from sexual intercourse for at least one week until the antibiotic treatment has taken effect.

The partner should also be examined.

The check-up takes place three weeks after the end of the antibiotic treatment with the help of a laboratory test. This is where the doctor determines whether the treatment was successful.

Prognosis and chances of recovery from a chlamydia infection

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

The chlamydia infection usually heals without permanent damage. Only if the infection remains untreated or is not treated can there be consequential damage such as infertility.

Prevention through regular chlamydia tests

In Germany, around 300,000 women are infected with chlamydia every year . Around 100,000 women are infertile due to a chlamydia infection . It is therefore advisable for women to have a chlamydia test once a year. The costs are covered by statutory health insurance for women up to the age of 25.