Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This infection can affect both men and women, often without noticeable symptoms. Proper medical management is important to prevent serious long-term complications and further spread.
Why Chlamydia Requires Medical Treatment
For the infection to be eliminated, it requires targeted antibiotic medication. The human immune system, while capable of fighting off many illnesses, is not effective in clearing Chlamydia trachomatis on its own, often leading to persistent infection if left untreated.
The bacteria have developed mechanisms to evade the body’s natural defenses. Chlamydia trachomatis can cloak itself within host cells, forming a protective vacuole where it grows and divides, largely undisturbed by immune cells. While the immune system may produce substances to combat the infection, the bacteria’s ability to hide means spontaneous resolution is not reliable.
Risks of Untreated Chlamydia
Leaving chlamydia untreated can lead to a range of significant health complications for both sexes. For women, the infection can ascend from the cervix into the upper reproductive tract, causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility due to scarring and obstruction of the fallopian tubes, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
Men who do not receive treatment may develop epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle that can cause pain and swelling. Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, is also a possible outcome.
In both men and women, untreated chlamydia can lead to reactive arthritis, a condition that affects the joints, eyes, and urethra.
Furthermore, the presence of chlamydia can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting other STIs, including HIV.
Pregnant individuals with untreated chlamydia can also transmit the infection to their infants during childbirth, potentially causing serious conditions such as conjunctivitis (an eye infection) or pneumonia in the newborn.
Steps for Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you have chlamydia, seeking prompt medical evaluation is important.
Diagnosis involves simple tests, such as a urine test or swab samples from affected areas like the cervix, urethra, or rectum. These tests are highly accurate in detecting the bacterial DNA.
Standard treatment for chlamydia involves antibiotics. Common regimens include azithromycin or doxycycline. It is important to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Partner notification and treatment are also important to prevent reinfection and further spread. Sex partners from the 60 days preceding diagnosis should be evaluated and treated. Abstinence from sexual activity is advised for at least seven days after both you and your partner(s) have completed treatment. Retesting is recommended approximately three months after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared and to detect any potential reinfection.