June 20th, 2013
Not all STDs show themselves as apparent infections. Chlamydia in fact is referred to as the “silent” STD as chlamydia symptoms in women may not be noticeable (in 75% of cases) despite a present infection which is highly contagious. Since chlamydia symptoms in women are often hidden, the chance of infection increases due to unintended transmission during sexual activity. In the same way as chlamydia symptoms in women are often not noticeable, over 50% of infected men also show no signs of infection.
Chlamydia infections are caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis which is only found in human cells and is transmitted through sexual activities and even from the mother to the child during a vaginal birth. Chlamydia causes genotal and eye infections in human; the later can end in blindness if not diagnosed and treated early (chlamydia conjunctivitis and trachoma).
What makes the infection dangerous is its “silent” nature. Chlamydia symptoms in women are absent in 3/4 of cases; half of the men might also not show any symptoms.
Chlamydia symptoms in women are not present in 75% of cases making the infection easy to spread and cause further complications. Chlamydia symptoms in women, if there are present, include:
Due to the absence of chlamydia symptoms in women, the infection may spread upward and cause serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or serious damage to the female reproductive system. Due to the lack of chlamydia symptoms in women, the infection may linger for years before be detected.
Over 50% of men may not show any signs of infection. If chlamydia infections causes symptoms in men, they may include:
Chlamydia infection, if untreated, may cause epididymitis in men.
Your doctor will take a sample from urethral discharge or vaginal fluid and send it to the lab for analysis.
Due to the lack of chlamydia symptoms in women, every diagnosed case of chlamydia infections warrants a treatment of the partner at the same time even if chlamydia symptoms in women may not show themselves initially. Chlamydia infections are usually treated with oral azithromycin or doxycycline. The infections usually clears up in one or two weeks. Severe infections in women may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic. It is very important that you finish all antibiotics, do not have sex while still taking antibiotics, and repeat the test after finishing your medication.
Due to the lack of chlamydia symptoms in women, a screening in non-pregnant women who are sexually active and under 25 years of age or at high infection risk is highly recommended.
Since chlamydia symptoms in women are absent in most of the cases, latex condoms may reduce the risk of acquiring chlamydia infections. The safest way of preventing chlamydia infections is a monogamous relationship with a trusted partner who has no history of chlamydia infection or has been tested negative for chlamydia infection.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Elist
Through experience, empathy, and patient empowerment, Dr. Elist offers a comprehensive and detail-oriented treatment plan for every patient. Schedule your consultation to discuss treatments for men in Los Angeles with premier surgeon Dr. James Elist, and begin your journey confident that your best results are just ahead of you.