Chlamydia infection is a disease that can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. This is a common sexually transmitted infection and there are as many as 2.8 million cases of Chlamydia in America. In many cases this disease may remain undetected till it reaches a serious and complicated state. The complications associated with this infection may result in loss of fertility.

There are certain strains of these bacteria that cause chlamydia infection. The strains that cause this infection include Chlamydia suis, Chlamydia muridarum and Chlamydia trachomatis. It is Chlamydia trachomatis that is detected in humans and causes eye disease along human genital problems. Any form of sex including vaginal, anal and oral sex with an infected person can result in transmission of this infection. A pregnant woman with this infection may also pass it on to the child during childbirth.

In many cases no visible symptoms associated with this condition may be observed. However any symptoms usually develop around 1 to 3 weeks following the exposure. The symptoms associated with Chlamydia infection include increased vaginal discharge, pain during urination along with increased need to urinate. Other symptoms associated with this condition include lower abdominal pain and irregular bleeding.

Among men the symptoms may include water like discharge from penis, burning sensation during urination and penile irritation particularly at the end part of the penis. Where the Chlamydia infection affects the rectum areas the associated symptoms may include rectal pain along with anal discharge and bleeding.

If the Chlamydia infection is not treated in time it can result in inflammation in the testicles and this can result in infertility. If this condition is not treated among women it can result in pelvic inflammation and it may be followed by long term pain in the pelvic region. Premature birth and ectopic pregnancy may also be observed in some cases.

A sexually active person having multiple sex partners is at a greater risk of developing this infection. Sexually active teenage girls along with young women have a greater risk of suffering from this infection as their cervix is not fully matured or developed. Men who have sex with other men are also susceptible to developing this infection as oral sex can also cause in transmission of this condition.

Timely treatment of Chlamydia infection is extremely crucial and if the treatment is not taken then it can result in long term reproductive problems. Sexually active women who are at a higher risk as well as pregnant women should get an annual screening test done so as to identify this infection. The laboratory tests used to detect this infection require urine sample or specimen that is collected from the affected site which may include the cervix or the penis.

Chlamydia infection can be cured through antibiotics which may include azithromycin taken in a single dose. Doxycycline may also be taken twice daily for a week. The sex partners of an infected person should be identified, evaluated and treated. Person having Chlamydia should refrain from sexual intercourse till the treatment is completed. This infection can be avoided by ensuring that a long term monogamous relationship in maintained with a person who is not infected with this condition. Using condoms can also reduce the possibility of transmission.