Chlamydia

Untreated infection can persist for months or even years and there's a strong link between asymptomatic (no symptoms) infection and reduced fertility.

• Up to 30% of untreated cases go on to develop PID
• 10% have ectopic pregnancies, in which a fertilised egg becomes stuck and implants in a Fallopian tube
• Damage to the fallopian tubes can cause a blockage that prevents sperm and eggs coming into contact. This cause of infertility is easily missed because of 'mild' or absent symptoms.

Both men and women with genital chlamydia infection can also develop painful arthritis due to inflammation of the joints.

Diagnosing and treating chlamydia

• Often a swab is taken from the genital tract for examination at a laboratory, but this isn't the most reliable means of diagnosing chlamydia.
• Recently, more accurate (95% sensitive) urine tests have been introduced which are carried out about 2 weeks after exposure.
• Uncomplicated chlamydial infection is treated with an effective antibiotic given twice a day for up to 10 days or as a single one-off dose.
• Pregnant women who have an uncomplicated infection of chlamydia can also receive treatment for seven days without risk to their baby
• If patients have symptoms and signs of chlamydial infection, doctors usually recommend starting treatment before a laboratory confirms the diagnosis because of the serious consequences of the condition.
• Partners are usually treated as well.