Chlamydia Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) through unprotected sex. Here, we will inform the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this disease. This disease can infect men and women of all ages but commonly, it is experienced by young women who are sexually active. It is a bacterial infection caused by a strain called Chlamydia trachomatis that spread by having sexual contact with an infected individual. This disease leads to more serious health problems if not handled thoroughly.
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Chlamydia Causes
Chlamydia is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted by the patient through sexual contact without using a condom or unprotected sexual contact that can be through the oral, anal, vaginal, and sexual intercourse of the genitals. This bacteria strain then resides in the cervix or vagina of a woman or in the urethra and rectum of both men and women. Chlamydia may also be transmitted during childbirth. A mother who has chlamydia may pass on the disease to her child when the baby passes through the vaginal canal. Some factors that may increase a person's risk of chlamydia include:
- Having a previous STI diagnosis
- Having multiple sex partners within a year
- Unprotected sex
- Sexually active before 18 years old
Chlamydia Symptoms
Most people with chlamydia do not feel any symptoms in early infected but after 1 to 3 weeks, the new symptoms will appear. The symptoms experienced by men differ from women. The only symptom that can be experienced by both is a pain when urinating.
Chlamydia Symptoms in Men
- Burning feeling while urinating
- Pain and swelling in one or both testicles
- Yellow, green, or white discharge from the penis
- Rectal pain, discharge, and bleeding
- Conjunctivitis in the eyes
- Throat infection
Chlamydia Symptoms in Women
- Dyspareunia or pain during sexual intercourse
- Burning feeling while urinating
- Abnormal vaginal discharge either yellow or green
- Traces of blood in the urine
- Increased urinary urgency and frequency
- Discharge, bleeding, and pain in the anus
This disease also causes health risks for women who plan to have children. Being diagnosed with this STI during pregnancy also leads to a higher risk of premature birth and having a child with low birth weight.
Chlamydia Treatment
Chlamydia can be cured by using a combination of antibiotic drugs. Aside from antibiotics, there are other natural remedies that can be used to treat chlamydia. Antibiotic drugs have some side effects such as diarrhea, decreased appetite, nausea, abdominal bloating, vomiting, stomach pain, and fungal infections of the vagina. The following are antibiotic drugs that usually prescribed by a doctor to treat chlamydia.
- Ofloxacin
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
- Azithromycin
- Amoxicillin
Aside from antibiotics, there are other natural remedies that you can use to treat chlamydia.
- Goldenseal. This usually comes in capsule form that has benefits of enhancing the immune system, antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory, and astringent capabilities.
- Echinacea. This herb can be consumed via a capsule or tincture that has antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. It can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.
- Garlic. Garlic can be eaten raw, added to another dish, or taken via capsules. Allicin is a compound which responsible for garlic’s unique smell and responsible for garlic’s numerous health benefits.