Chlamydia infection and fertility

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI, STD) caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most common sexually acquired bacterial infections.

Chlamydia is tagged to be a silent sexual health problem. This is for the reason that only half of the infected men of 25% of the infected women show the symptoms. Moreover, symptoms show most often long after the infection timed at 4 weeks or more.

Chlamydia as being a silent sexual problem can manifest complications including fertility.

SCREENING

Screening is recommended to women ages 25 and below against possible infections. Laboratory detection is made with Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transcription mediated amplification (TMA), and the DNA strand displacement amplification (SDA).

NAAT for chlamydia can be done on swab specimens collected from the cervix (women) or urethra (men), on self-collected vaginal swabs, or on voided urine.

SYMPTOMS

v Vaginal discharge

v Light bleeding after sexual intercourse

v A burning sensation when passing urine

v Pain during sexual intercourse

v Light vaginal bleeding between periods

v Lower abdominal pain or discomfort

HOW DOES CHLAMYDIA AFFECTS FERTILITY?

The inflammation inside the fallopian tubes is known to cause such damage that the functional capability of the tubes is seriously compromised. This might result in permanent scarring of the tubes leading to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and even complete inability to conceive naturally.

HOW TO CURE CHLAMYDIA?

Chlamydia is a bacterial (not viral) infection. It is easily and successfully treated using antibiotics. It is crucial that the full course of the antibiotics is completed to ensure that the infection has been cleared from the system.

You may consult your ob-gyne to learn more about this issue or read more at pregnancy and chilldbirth answers.