Chlamydia is the most common of all STD's. It is caused by an organism called Chlamydia trachomatis that has properties of both a bacteria and a virus. Chlamydia can be transmitted by

• having sexual intercourse with someone who is infected,
  
  
• and infected mother to her baby at birth,
  
  
• occasionally. by transferring the infection on fingers from the genitals to the eyes.

Chlamydia infects the cervix in women. The urethra, rectum and eyes can be infected in both sexes. Occasionally, Chlamydia infects other parts of the body as well, such as the throat.

Chlamydia in Women

In women, Chlamydia is responsible for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (that is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes), infertility and ectopic (tubal) pregnancies. Left untreated, Chlamydia can be quite painful.

Most women with Chlamydia show no symptoms until serious complications have arisen. However, when symptoms do occur, they usually include;

• Unusual vaginal discharge (caused by the cervix becoming inflamed)
  
  
• Burning sensation during urination
  
  
• Frequent urination
  
  
• Vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods
  
  
• Lower abdominal pain

Chlamydia in Men

In men, complications by Chlamydia are uncommon; however, it may lead to painful inflammation of the testicles, which can cause infertility. Most men with Chlamydia show symptoms and these include;

• Unusual penile discharge which may be white or cloudy, watery and stain underwear.
  
  
• Burning sensation during urination
  
  
• Pain and swelling of testicles.

Testing and Treatment of Chlamydia

Testing for Chlamydia is carried out by a doctor. It involves taking samples using a cotton wool from different areas that may be infected. Moreover, women are usually given an internal pelvic examination and men are given an external testicle examination. A urine sample may also be taken for both sexes. None of these tests are painful, although they may be uncomfortable at times.

If Chlamydia is diagnosed early enough it will be easy to cure. In fact, the treatment of Chlamydia is normally through antibiotic therapy, normally a week of doxycycline.

Recommendations for Chlamydia

After getting cleared from Chlamydia, it is important to get the partner tested since this STD is highly transmittable.