Chlamydia Infections in women

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a common STI. It is  bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia trachomatis can infect both men and women. Women can get chlamydia in the cervix, rectum, or throat. Men can get chlamydia in the urethra (inside the penis), rectum, or throat.

Symptoms of Chlamydia Infection in Women

Symptoms in women include

• Abnormal vaginal discharge, which may have a strong smell
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Pain during intercourse

If the infection spreads, you might get lower abdominal pain, pain during sex, nausea, or fever.

Treatment of Chlamydia infection

once tested positive for chlamydia, treatment should be commenced immediately with effective antibiotic.

Azithromycin 1g stat with doxycycline 100mg twice daily for seven days is usually effective. other antibiotics found effective include: erythromycin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin as well as amoxicillin. If pregnant, only erythromycin or azithromycin or amoxicillin should be given. While newborns should treated with erythromycin. Newborns of infected mothers must be treated with antibiotic after delivery. For more explanation on these antibiotics, you can enter our forum

To prevent spreading the disease to your partner, both partners should treated at the same time.

Effects of untreated Chlamydia Infection in Women

In women, an untreated infection can spread to uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause permanent damage to your reproductive system. This can lead to long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Women who have had chlamydia infections more than once are at higher risk of serious reproductive health complications. Learn more here on causes of infertility