Chlamydia: symptoms and treatments

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is caused by a microbe that, like a virus, can only reproduce inside one of your own body cells (so is difficult to grow in a laboratory) and is too small to be seen under a light microscope. It is unlike a virus, however, in that (like bacteria) it is sensitive to certain antibiotics.

What symptoms will you notice?
Chlamydia produces no obvious symptoms in at least 6 out of 10 people infected. When it does produce symptoms, Women may notice a mucky vaginal discharge but this is not always present and often it remains undiagnosed, or is picked up during a routine screen or because her partner develops symptoms.

Men may notice discharge from the penis, or discomfort on passing urine. The discharge is usually present early in the morning and clears during the day. Staining of the underwear with a mucus or slightly pus-stained discharge is another telltale sign.

How is Chlamydia diagnosed?
Using immune tests that detect specific Chlamydia proteins or genetic material. Suspected infection is often treated before it is confirmed, as the test takes several days to provide a result. Suspicion of Chlamydia is aroused if:

• A partner has tested positive for Chlamydia
• More pus cells than normal are seen when examining a swab taken from the male urethra or female cervix
• Threads (caused by clumps of cells) are seen in a male sample of urine

How is Chlamydia treated?
Once diagnosed or suspected, Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin or azithromycin. It's important not to resume sexual activity until treatment has finished and you're given the all clear, otherwise infection can be passed to and fro between you and your partner (who must also be treated).