Chlymidia – Can it be cured?

If chlymidia is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause long-term problems.

Women
In women, if chlymidia is left untreated it can spread to other reproductive organs causing inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and Bartholin’s glands (Bartholinitis).

Infection with chlamydia during pregnancy may also be linked to premature birth of the baby or early miscarriage.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
In women, chlamydial infection is one of the chief causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries that can cause an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, infertility and persistent pelvic pain. The condition can be treated using medication, and early treatment will significantly reduce the risk of infertility. You should avoid having sexual relations while receiving treatment for PID.

Cervicitis
Cervicitis is when the neck of the womb becaomes inflamed (the cervix). It often causes no symptoms but you may have vaginal discharge containing pus, experience some discomfort, and have irregular bleeding. Some people also experience pain during sexual intercourse and urinary symptoms, such as a burning pain when they urinate, and the need to urinate more often. When left untreated cervicitis causes the cervix to become enlarged and cervical cysts to develop, which could become infected. Chronic (long term) cervicitis can cause persistent vaginal discharge, backache, and deep pelvic pain.

Salpingitis
Infection with chlamydia may cause a blockage of the fallopian tubes. This could prevent eggs from entering the tubes, or passing along. Sometimes even a small partial blockage of the fallopian tubes can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy occurring. This is when a fertilised egg is implanted outside of the womb, most often in a fallopian tube..Microsurgery can often be used to effectively treat a blockage.

Bartholinitis
The glands on the body that produce the lubricating mucus to make sexual intercourse easier are known as the Bartholin’s glands. These glands are situated on either side of the vaginal opening. Infection with chlamydia may cause the glands to become infected and blocked and lead to a Bartholin’s cyst. A cyst is normally painless but if it becomes infected it could lead to a pus-filled Bartholin’s abscess. An abscess is normally red, painful to touch, very tender, and can cause a fever. An infected abscess will need to be treated with medication.

Men

Urethritis
Urethritis in men is when the urethra (the urine tube) that runs along the underside of the penis becomes inflamed. Symptoms include a burning or painful sensation when you urinate, white or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis, and the urge to urinate often and irritation and soreness around the tip of the penis. If not treated a urethral stricture can occur, this can seriously interfere with the urine flow and lead to back pressure which can damage the kidneys. Urethritis can be treated with antibiotics.

Epididymitis
Epididymitis is the inflammation of the epididymis, a tube that connects the testes (where sperm are produced) to the vas deferens (a pair of ducts where sperm collect ready for ejaculation through the urethra). An infected epididymis can become inflamed, causing tenderness and swelling in the affected area of the scrotum. Infection can lead to an abscess, or accumulation of fluid in the area. If left untreated epididymitis can lead to infertility.

Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis can develop as a reaction to an infection, such as chlamydia. General symptoms include inflammation of the joints (arthritis), the urethra (urethritis) and the eyes (conjunctivitis). Although chlamydia is known to cause inflammation of the joints in women, reactive arthritis is much more likely to occur in men. There is no known cure for arthritis and although symptoms normally get better in three to twelve months, they can recur after this. Symptoms can generally be controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibruprofen.