Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. Many infected individuals do not experience noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to detect. This asymptomatic nature allows people to unknowingly carry the infection for extended periods, potentially transmitting it to others and leading to long-term health consequences.
The Silent Nature of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is often called a “silent infection” because 50% to 70% of infected individuals never develop obvious symptoms. This bacterial infection can reside in the body without triggering immediate irritation or clear signs of illness. The bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis, is adept at establishing an infection that does not always provoke a strong immune response in its early stages.
Even when symptoms occur, they are frequently mild and non-specific, making them easy to overlook or mistake for other less serious conditions. Individuals might experience unusual discharge, mild discomfort during urination, or slight abdominal pain. These subtle indicators are often dismissed, allowing the infection to persist undetected and untreated. This underscores the importance of regular screening for sexually active individuals.
Understanding Potential Health Impacts
Despite its often symptomless presentation, untreated chlamydia can lead to serious health complications. In women, the infection can ascend to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause scar tissue, leading to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and a heightened risk of ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.
For men, untreated chlamydia can cause epididymitis, an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicles. This condition can manifest as pain, swelling, and tenderness, and in some cases, affect fertility. Chlamydia can also increase susceptibility to acquiring or transmitting other STIs, including HIV. Rarely, it can lead to reactive arthritis, causing joint pain, inflammation, and eye irritation.
Getting Tested for Chlamydia
Given its often asymptomatic nature, regular testing is the most reliable method for detecting chlamydia. Healthcare providers use nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to identify bacterial genetic material. These tests involve collecting a urine sample or a swab from potentially infected areas. For urine tests, a “first-catch” sample, collected without prior urination for one to two hours, is preferred to ensure sufficient bacterial cells.
Swab tests can be performed on the cervix or vagina for women, the urethra for men, or the rectum and throat depending on sexual practices. Self-collected vaginal swabs are often recommended for asymptomatic females, offering a convenient and effective option. Testing is important for sexually active women under 25, pregnant individuals, and anyone with new or multiple partners, or whose partner has been diagnosed with an STI. These tests are available at doctor’s offices, sexual health clinics, and through at-home services.
Effective Treatment and Follow-Up
Once diagnosed, chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, typically a single dose of azithromycin or a seven-day course of doxycycline. It is important to complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve or disappear. During treatment, individuals should abstain from all sexual activity for at least seven days after a single-dose regimen or until completion of a seven-day regimen to prevent reinfection and further transmission.
Ensuring all recent sexual partners are also tested and treated is important for preventing reinfection and controlling spread. Healthcare providers recommend retesting approximately three months after treatment to check for potential reinfection, which is common. For pregnant individuals, retesting is recommended four weeks after treatment to confirm clearance.