Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common infections that is sexually transmitted through an obligate intracellular bacterium, Chlamydia Trachomatis, if not treated promptly can cause fertility problems.
It is defined as a "silent infection" as more than 70% of women do not experience any symptoms (which is why it is easily infected). It can cause slight discomfort in the pelvic area, vaginal discharge, nausea, fever, bleeding outside the menstrual cycle. Clinical manifestations occur one / three weeks after infection; in men it manifests itself with secretions, itching, irritation, enlargement and pain in the testicles.

Chlamydia affects women of young age and sexually active, at risk are those who have more sexual relationships. Transmission occurs through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse. If transmitted through oral intercourse, it can infect the throat. The woman who is expecting a baby can, during childbirth, transmit the infection to the newborn, presenting itself in the form of conjunctivitis or pneumonia. Because the symptoms of genital chlamydia are similar to those of gonorrhea (a bacterial infection typical of adolescents and young adults), and because a person could be affected by both diseases, patients are sometimes treated to defeat both diseases.

It can lead to permanent damage: ovarian occlusion, infertility and the possibility of extrauterine pregnancy, and you can also contract the HIV virus in a higher percentage. It is diagnosed through laboratory tests that are done through a urine sample or a sample obtained from a woman's cervix or a man's urethra.

To reduce the risk of contracting chlamydia it is necessary to use latex or polyurethane condoms during sexual intercourse from the beginning, limit the number of sex partners, use condoms also to protect objects used for sexual practices and for oral intercourse . Although birth control pills do not offer any kind of protection against STDs, they may provide partial protection against PID, as they cause the body to produce thicker cervical mucus, thus making it more difficult for bacteria to rise to the upper tract. genital. The use of irrigations can increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, therefore it can modify the natural bacterial flora of the vagina and can cause bacteria to flow towards the upper part of the genital tract.
Adolescents undergoing treatment for chlamydia should also undergo tests to rule out the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases and should be left alone face to face with their doctor to be able to speak openly about private topics, such as activity. sexual. In children, the presence of an STD infection could be an indication of sexual abuse. If you have any concerns or suspicions, speak openly to your pediatrician.