Causes And Treatments Of Chlamydia

Causes And Treatments Of Chlamydia

Causes And Treatments Of Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the commonest example of sexually transmitted disease (STD) which is highly prevalent across the world. It is caused by bacteria that live in the human body cells. This bacterium is named as ‘chlamydia trachomatis’. The main areas of action of these bacteria are those tissues which are soft covered with mucous and mainly not covered by skin. Examples of these tissues are genito-urinary tract, the rectal portion and eyes and rarely throat.

Here Are Some Causes And Treatments Of Chlamydia:

Causes Of Chlamydia

According to the report made by World Health Organisation, it was seen that every year there are about 101 million cases of Chlamydia reported (in both men and women). Now before discussing the major causes of chlamydial infections we must understand that men and women can both develop this infection, however women are at a higher chance of getting it. The causes and risk factors for developing chlamydial infections are explained below:

Sexual Intercourse

Sexually active individuals who keep multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of developing the infection.

Women And Men Under The Age Of 25

Women or men who have just attained puberty or are under age group of 25 are more prone to developing Chlamydia as their bodies contain certain hormones that makes the body more prone towards the infection.

Women And Men Under The Age Of 25

Unprotected Sex Unprotected Sex

Indulging in unprotected sex; vaginal, oral or anal is the most important reason for developing chlamydial infections. Body fluids and contact of soft mucous filled tissues are the main source of transmitting infections. Even if the man doesn’t ejaculate still there are high chances that the other partner will develop infections.
Some of the suggestions to prevent chlamydial infections are using latex condoms during intercourse, getting tested once in every year if you are sexually active and avoiding sex with multiple partners.

Transfer From Mother To Baby

If a pregnant woman is suffering from Chlamydia while giving birth to a child; there are maximum possibilities that the baby will get pneumonia or eye infections or other infections.

Transfer From Mother To Baby

However chlamydial bacteria do not cause infection by shaking hands or sharing toilet seats etc. A urine sample analysis or a swab test which involves testing discharge from penis/vagina in an attempt to identify the microbe and its strain are the methods by which chlamydial infections can be diagnosed. Now the challenge here is that these infections often do not show symptoms and hence, remain undiagnosed. However in the cases where symptoms do occur; you will observe an irregular discharge from genital area having a foul smell, pain during sexual intercourse, burning while urinating etc. If at all the infection has spread from genital areas to the rectal region you will observe abnormal discharge from anus and pain and inflammation while defecation.

Treatments Of Chlamydia


Medication is the only treatment for chlamydia. Chlamydia is a curable infection and can be treated with the use of antibiotics. The treatment methodology usually depends on 3 factors which are site where the infection has occurred, age of the patient and extent of complication of the infection. For uncomplicated cases azithromycin (once daily) or doxycycline (twice daily) are giving as oral tablets or capsules. Recurrent chlamydial infections increase the risk of pregnancy disorders and ectopic pregnancy (meaning pregnancy in parts other than womb, like fallopian tubes). Such cases need more aggressive treatment; ofloxacin or levofloxacin are given orally for about two weeks. In case of severe infections antibiotics of choice may be given intravenously as an injection. The treatment for pregnant females includes antibiotics like azithromycin, erythromycin and amoxicillin as other drugs are contraindicated. Most importantly always keep in mind to refrain yourself from any kind of sexual intercourse till the time you completely recover from the infection.


If the infections remains unnoticed and untreated it progresses and spreads to other neighbouring areas. In females the uterus and fallopian tubes are mostly affected which may lead to pelvic pain and swelling in some cases. In extreme situations there are problems with pregnancy, complications during pregnancy and even infertility. In males as the infection progresses due to late diagnosis, there can pain and inflammation along with fever. The probability of infertility in males is very less although the sperm count might be reduced in some of them.

Although the chlamydial infections are curable and there are antibiotics available to treat them; you must always take preventive measures to avoid them. It is advisable to screen yourself and your partner every year as Chlamydia is a recurrent infection and can always come back. Other than restricting yourself to one sexual partner you must follow good hygiene practices as they prevent growth of bacteria. Talk to your doctor in case you observe any of the symptoms.