Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) - Chlamydiasis

Sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Spread by unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex and from infected mother to baby during childbirth.
• Often a silent infection: many cases have no or very mild early symptoms; symptoms usually appear after 1–3 weeks.

Male symptoms:

Urethral discharge, burning urination, genital itching, and sometimes testicular pain/swelling.

Female symptoms:

Abnormal vaginal discharge, lower abdominal/pelvic pain, painful sex, bleeding between periods or after sex, and burning urination.

Complications (if untreated):

Pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and adverse pregnancy outcomes; neonatal eye/lung problems if transmitted at birth.

Prevention:

A single faithful partner, correct and consistent condom use, avoiding multiple/unprotected partners, and regular screening for sexually active individuals.

Treatment:

Curable with antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline; early diagnosis and full course prevent complications and spread.