Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many individuals with chlamydia experience no symptoms, often referred to as a “silent infection,” making it possible to have the infection without knowing it. Despite its often asymptomatic nature, chlamydia can manifest with various symptoms in some people. Understanding these potential signs is important for early detection and treatment.
Bleeding as a Symptom
Chlamydia can indeed cause abnormal bleeding, particularly in women. This bleeding may present in several ways, including intermenstrual bleeding, which occurs between regular menstrual periods. Another common manifestation is post-coital bleeding, characterized by spotting or light bleeding after sexual intercourse.
Some women might also experience heavier or more irregular menstrual bleeding than usual as a result of the infection. These bleeding symptoms are primarily observed in women due to the infection’s impact on the cervix or urethra. While less common, urethral inflammation in men could rarely lead to blood in urine or semen, though this is often indicative of other issues.
Why Chlamydia Causes Bleeding
Chlamydia infection leads to bleeding primarily because it causes inflammation of the infected tissues. In women, this often involves the cervix, resulting in a condition known as cervicitis. Similarly, in both sexes, the urethra can become inflamed, a condition called urethritis. This inflammatory response is the body’s attempt to fight the bacterial infection.
The inflammation makes the delicate tissues of the affected areas more fragile and susceptible to damage. Small blood vessels, or capillaries, within the inflamed tissues can become weakened. Consequently, these fragile capillaries may rupture easily, especially with physical contact such as during intercourse or even routine activities, leading to the observed bleeding.
Other Common Symptoms
Even though chlamydia is frequently asymptomatic, it can cause various other symptoms in those who do experience them. In women, common symptoms include an abnormal vaginal discharge, which might be unusual in color, odor, or consistency. Painful urination, medically termed dysuria, is another frequent symptom, alongside lower abdominal pain or discomfort. Some women may also experience pain during sexual intercourse.
Men with chlamydia may notice a discharge from the penis, which can be clear or milky. Similar to women, painful urination is a common symptom in men. Testicular pain or swelling can also occur, indicating an infection that has spread to the epididymis, a tube located at the back of the testicle. Less common symptoms can include rectal pain or discharge if there’s an anal infection, or eye infection (conjunctivitis) if the bacteria spreads to the eyes.
Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment
If symptoms are present or if there is a risk of exposure, seeking medical attention for testing is important. Healthcare providers typically diagnose chlamydia using urine tests or swab tests. Swabs can be taken from the cervix, vagina, urethra, rectum, or throat, depending on the suspected site of infection.
Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics, and treatment typically involves a single dose of azithromycin or a seven-day course of doxycycline. It is important to complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. During treatment, abstaining from sexual activity is advised to prevent reinfection or transmission to others. Additionally, sexual partners should be notified and treated to prevent the spread of the infection and avoid reinfection.
Potential Long-Term Health Outcomes
Untreated chlamydia can lead to serious and long-lasting health complications, particularly in women. One of the most significant consequences is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection of the female reproductive organs. PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, damage to the fallopian tubes, and increased risk of infertility. Furthermore, PID significantly elevates the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube.
In men, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. This condition can cause pain and swelling and, in some cases, may impact fertility. If chlamydia is transmitted from a pregnant individual to their newborn during childbirth, it can cause conjunctivitis, an eye infection, and pneumonia in the infant. Neonatal conjunctivitis due to chlamydia is coded as P39.1, and congenital pneumonia due to chlamydia is P23.1.