Chlamydia is seen as a very common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that may or may not show signs and symptoms once an individual is infected. Men and women will feel the same symptoms such as pain during urination, and discharges from the vagina or penis if ever it is manifested.

Chlamydia signs and symptoms will not be manifested in almost 25 to 30% of women and men infected with the disease. Yet, should symptoms be felt, there will be a difference between men and women.

The symptoms in men are:

• Pain and discharges from the rectal area
• Stinging pain during urination
• Pain and tenderness in the testicles
• Penile discharges

The symptoms in women are:

• Pain with discharges from the rectum
• Vaginal discharges
• Burning pain during urination
• Painful sensation during sexual intercourse

Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacteria that cause the Chlamydia infection. The greatest risk groups to acquire this very common sexually transmitted infection are the ones who are active sexually with different sexual partners.

It is quite rare for infants to become infected when an infected mother gives a vaginal birth. But, if infection occurs, the infant may be affected by pneumonia and eye infection which is Chlamydia-related.

If symptoms are present it will be the basis for the initial diagnosis. The diagnosis will be fully formed when the necessary discharges are cultured and analyzed.

To fight off the infection, the mode of treatment usually uses antibiotics such as erythromycin, tetracycline, and azithromycin. After four weeks, a follow-up evaluation is necessary to find out if the infection has been eradicated from the body. To contain the spread of the infection, the infected person is requested to inform about the condition to his or her sexual partners. This is also one way of making the other partners submit to an STD testing.

If the treatment is done right away, good results are expected which also does away with any complications that will last a lifetime. On the other hand, delayed or improper treatment will cause additional complications. Chlamydia, if untreated in a woman will cause infection in the fallopian tubes or uterus leading to PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease with complications of possible ectopic pregnancy or infertility.

The Chlamydia infection can be prevented if people who are sexually active practice safe sex. Properly using protective barriers such as a condom or having a monogamous relationship where both partners are not infected will prevent this infection. It is also recommended that a yearly Chlamydia infection screening be a requirement for sexually active women. The reason for this is not only for health reasons but also one way of preventing and containing the spread of the infection. Statistics has shown that people infected with Chlamydia seem to be increasing yearly even with the sexual health education programs implemented by the different health organizations.

For this purpose, people are encouraged to take an active role in their individual health by learning everything about sexually transmitted diseases.