CHLAMYDIA INFECTION

General Information

DEFINITION--Chlamydia are intracellular parasites that have many of the same physical characteristics of viruses. They cause inflammation of the urethra (the tube that allows urine from the bladder to pass outside the body), vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, anus, ovaries and epididymis. This is a common sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia infection may also be transmitted to the eyes or lungs of a newborn infant. If chlamydia are found by microscopic exam and culture of discharge in any person who is sexually active, all sexual partners must be treated.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Urethra, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, anus, ovaries, epididymis.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes, age 12 and older.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Sometimes no symptoms during early stages.
• Vaginal discharge (females).
• Urethral discharge (males).
• Anal swelling, pain or discharge.
• Reddening of the vagina or tip of the penis.
• Abdominal pain.
• Fever.
• Discomfort on urinating.
• Genital discomfort or pain.

CAUSES--A virus-like bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis. Usually spread by direct contact with an infected person by vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. Rarely, a vaginal infection during delivery of a newborn may infect the baby.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Unprotected sexual activity.
• Sexual activity with multiple partners.
• Use of oral contraceptives or an intrauterine device (IUD).

HOW TO PREVENT

• Use of latex condoms during sexual activity.
• Treatment of all sexual partners of any infected person (usually 2 weeks of an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline).

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Vaginal smear, rectal smear and urethral smear for laboratory analysis.
• Re-exam after completing the prescribed treatment.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Home care after diagnosis.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Sterility in female.
• Infecting one's sexual partner.
• Secondary bacterial infections in pelvic organs, genitals or rectum.
• Pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Liver infection (perihepatitis)
• Reiter's syndrome.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Complete cure with adequate antibiotic treatment.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented soap.
• Take showers rather than tub baths.
• Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid panties made from non-ventilating materials, such as nylon.
• After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus).
• Lose weight if you are obese.
• Avoid douches.
• If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program.
• Avoid irritating sprays.
• Avoid pants that are tight in the crotch and thighs.
• Change tampons frequently.
• If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the end cut out, or pour a cup of warm water over genital area while urinating.
• A follow up medical examination is necessary after completing the prescribed treatment.
• Testing for other sexually transmitted diseases is recommended.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, to take for 2 weeks.

ACTIVITY--

• Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating.
• Delay sexual relations until treatment is completed and symptoms are gone.
• Allow about 3 weeks for recovery.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of chlamydia infection.
• Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen despite treatment.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.