Chlamydia Revisit: Symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment

What is it?

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmitted disease, caused by the bacteria,

Chlamydia trachomatis. It can infect both men and women during vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also be spread by sharing unclean sex toys.

Chlamydia can be transmitted to the new-borns during delivery and cause serious eye and lung infections.

Chlamydia usually infects the cervix (neck of the womb), urethra (urinary passage) and occasionally rectum, throat and eye.

Symptoms and signs

Chlamydia infection is usually asymptomatic. As a result, patients often spread the disease without realising it. These patients are also less likely to be diagnosed with the disease and thus may miss the opportunity for early treatment.

The incubation period of the disease varies from 2-21 days after exposure.

Symptoms in women include