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Chlamydia

Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis.

Symptoms

Most people with chlamydia have no symptoms.

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However, women may experience the following symptoms:

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  • Pain in the abdomen or pelvis

  • Pain after/during sex (dyspareunia)

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding, e.g. between periods (spotting), after sex.

  • Unusual discharge from the vagina or anus.

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria).

Diagnosis

If you think you may have chlamydia, you should see your doctor or attend a sexual health clinic.

 

The doctor will ask you about your sexual history and perform an abdominal and pelvic examination.

 

If the doctor suspects you may have chlamydia, then they will perform some tests such as swabs of the cervix, mouth, and anus as well as taking a urine sample to test for chlamydia.

 

You can also test yourself for chlamydia using a home-testing kit.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with chlamydia or there is high suspicion that you may have chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe you with antibiotics (e.g. doxycycline or azithromycin).

 

Your doctor will also advise you to avoid sexual intercourse for 7 days after treatment.

 

You should also contact any recent sexual partners, as they may also be infected with chlamydia. This includes any individual with whom you have had sexual intercourse within 6 months.

Complications

If chlamydia is left untreated, a woman may be at risk of the following complications:

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  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Infertility

  • Complications of pregnancy (e.g. ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth)

  • Chlamydia infection in babies, causes conjunctivitis or pneumonia

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