Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis. Its incidence is gradually increasing during recent years. It is under diagnosed because majority of the cases are asymptomatic. In Canada, 63,000 cases were reported in the year 2004.

*Individuals infected with gonorrhea are often co-infected with Chlamydia.

Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms are noticeable within 2-3 weeks after infection 

Men:

• Urethral discharge
• Swollen and/or painful testicles

Women:

• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal pain (pain below the belly button or pelvic pain)
• Abnormal and/or heavy vaginal bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse

Men or women:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Conjunctivitis

Neonates (Less than 28 days after birth):

• Conjunctivitis

Infants (up to 1 year of age):

• Pneumonia in <6months age

Testing:
Urine, Swab from Urethra or Cervix.

Repeat screening tests in 6months after treatment to rule out re-infection

Treatment
Chlamydia infection can be treated with appropriate antibiotics prescribed by a Physician.

”TO STOP THE SPREAD OF CHLAMYDIA, PARTNER NEEDS TO BE TREATED AT THE SAME TIME”

Complications if left untreated.

Men:

• Epididymo-orchitis

Women:

• Infection can spread to the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Partial tubal blockage due to PID increases the risk of Ectopic Pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus), Total blockage of tubes on both sides can cause infertility.
• In pregnant women this can cause early (premature) labour and delivery. Infection can be passed to the baby, causing serious infections like eye problem (conjunctivitis) and Lung problems (pneumonia)