Clamidia is a common sexually transmitted infection that is caused by bacteria named Clamidia trachomatis. This infection is transferred when sexual contact with an infected person occurs. Such sexual contact may include vaginal, oral or anal sex. This infection affects the urinary and the reproductive organs of a person. In many cases the infection does not cause any symptoms.

If the clamidia infection is not treated then it can result in complications such as infertility. Timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Among women the symptoms associated with this condition include vaginal discharge along with irritation, lower abdominal pain and burning sensation during urination. Lack of treatment can cause other complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

In the absence of treatment the infection can also cause complications of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Women suffering from clamidia may also experience bleeding between menstrual cycles along with fatigue and fever. Among men the symptoms associated with this condition include penile discharge and burning sensation during urination.

If the clamidia infection in men is not treated then it can result in testicular swelling and other problems such as infertility. Clamidia is quite common with as many as 5% of adults suffering from this condition in America. Among females who are sexually active 10% of the population experiences this condition.

A pregnant woman suffering from this infection can transfer it to her newborn child. However this infection cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as handshake. Initial diagnosis of this condition involves a physical examination. As a part of the examination possible tenderness in regions near the sex organs is identified. Likewise symptoms such as vaginal or penile discharge are checked and laboratory tests may also be conducted for the diagnosis.

The diagnostic tests conducted may include taking samples from the affected area and observing them under a microscope. This will allow the bacteria to be identified. Treatment of clamidia includes taking medicines like azithromycin and doxycycline. Azithromycin is taken in a single dose while doxycycline is to be taken twice every day for a period of one week.