"The Challenge of Chlamydia"

Enjoying sex with multiple partners? Better think twice. Moral teachings aside, you are running the risk of contracting Chlamydia.

Chlamydia is a group of bacteria which cause infectious diseases both in humans and animals. It has three species: Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Chlamydia psittaci.

The most common Chlamydia illnesses are caused by strains of the trachomatis variety. One of them causes conjunctivitis, an eye infection characterized by redness and swelling, sensitivity to light, and pus discharge. A strain of fly-borne Chlamydia trachomatis can cause trachoma, a severe type of conjunctivitis. This is more frequent in developing countries and can lead to blindness.

In the United States, Chlamydia trachomatis causes 3 million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) yearly. Transmitted through sex, oral and vaginal, infection is very common among teenagers and young adults. Since symptoms are often absent, many victims do not know they are infected. Around 75 percent of women and 50 percent of men who are infected are unaware of it.

Symptoms for both men and women include a watery discharge and pain while urinating. Chlamydia also causes inflammation of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries of women. Vaginal discharge, fever, abdominal pain, and pain in the genital area are also reported. When untreated, it may develop into more complex conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The risk of acquiring HIV also increases. And if you’re pregnant, you can pass the infection to your baby during birth.

Scared of Chlamydia? Here are simple prevention tips: use latex or polyurethane condoms during sex and try to limit your sex partners. If you already have it, don’t worry. It can be treated with antibiotics. Since most of those infected with Chlamydia also have gonorrhea, treatment for gonorrhea is often provided too.