What Is Chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common infections globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 128.5 million people between the ages of 15 and 49 were affected by Chlamydia in 2020, with the global prevalence estimated at 4.0% for women and 2.5% for men. Despite these high numbers, the infection often goes unnoticed and underdiagnosed due to its frequently mild or absent symptoms. This blog explores chlamydia infection, its transmission, signs, and symptoms to watch out for to better protect yourself.

How does chlamydia spread?

Chlamydia infection is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia Trachomatis. This bacteria belongs to the Chlamydia family, which includes a total of nine species of bacteria that are responsible for various infections all over the body. The disease impacts both genders equally.

What Is Chlamydia Infection?

The terms chlamydia or chlamydia infection are often used interchangeably. Both terms refer to the infection caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis. The good news is that chlamydia infection is treatable and curable. It is at times called a “silent infection” due to mild symptoms or the lack thereof. This makes early diagnosis and seeking treatment a challenge for many patients. For anyone who suspects that they have signs of chlamydia, it is essential to get checked by a trained healthcare professional.

Routes of Transmission

Chlamydia infection is classified as an STI, therefore, it spreads through unprotected sexual intercourse (oral, vaginal, or anal). Bacterial transmission also occurs during childbirth from the mother to the child. Chlamydia Trachomatis also causes an eye infection called Trachoma. The infection can spread through contact with the infected eye, contaminated towels, and even flies.

Although a chlamydia infection is fully curable, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. For this reason, the clinics/hospitals that provide treatment for chlamydia also provide counseling and preventative care.

Who does chlamydia affect?

Chlamydia impacts the quality of life of many people. Chlamydia is an STI, therefore, anyone who is sexually active, irrespective of age, gender, or ethnicity, is at risk for contracting it. People who are more susceptible to the chlamydia symptoms include:

• Young age groups (Between 15 to 24 years)

• Individuals having unprotected sexual intercourse

• Pregnant females

• Individuals with a positive history of STIs

People in this high-risk group require a high degree of suspicion for symptoms of chlamydia. Anyone can access quality chlamydia care in Turkey with relative ease, with little to no wait times. For Example, the Medical Park Hospitals provide state-of-the-art chlamydia care in Istanbul and many other cities across the country.

How common is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is a very common STI worldwide. The asymptomatic nature of the infection means that there is a high risk of it going unnoticed and undiagnosed leading to life-changing complications. Almost 70% to 80% of females and 50% of males suffering from this infection have no signs or symptoms of chlamydia.

Due to a lack of symptoms, chlamydia infections are on the rise globally. Close to 1.5 million new cases of chlamydia occur all over the world every year. To counter these numbers, hospitals offer regular screenings for chlamydia in Istanbul and many other cities.

How do you get chlamydia?

Chlamydia Trachomatis infection is sexually transmitted. A mother can give it to her child during childbirth as well. The bacterial organism is present in the infected person’s semen or vaginal fluid. To prevent this infection, counseling for chlamydia prevention in Turkey is available for everyone.

Chlamydia Trachomatis is described as an “obligate intracellular bacteria”, which simply means that it requires a host cell to survive and replicate. It has two forms:

• Elementary body – Infectious form (small, spore-like, survives outside the cell)

• Reticulate body – Metabolically-active form (larger, adapted for replication within the host cell)

Once inside the host cell, Chlamydia Trachomatis changes into its reticulate form and divides for 24 to 72 hours. Once this process is complete, it changes back to the infectious form, the host cell ruptures, and the replicated bacteria is released into the body. Chlamydia infections are responsible for severe complications if the disease remains undetected and isn’t treated promptly. For chlamydia diagnosis in Istanbul (E.g.), confidential and reliable services are available at many hospitals and clinics.

What doesn’t cause chlamydia?

A large number of infectious cases remain undiagnosed, although chlamydia treatment is easily available. Therefore, prevention is better than cure in the case of chlamydia. According to chlamydia prevention guidelines in Turkey and the rest of the world, an infection can be successfully avoided by:

• Using protection during sexual intercourse

• Not having multiple sexual partners

• Getting screened for STIs regularly

• Testing for chlamydia during pregnancy

Chlamydia treatment in Turkey is accessible, affordable, and provided by highly qualified healthcare professionals. Chlamydia services in Istanbul and other metropolitan cities are available in English as well for the convenience of international patients.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

The asymptomatic nature of chlamydia infections is the biggest hurdle in its diagnosis and treatment. If symptomatic, chlamydia presents as:

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women

• Abnormal vaginal discharge

• Burning sensation or pain while peeing

• Pain during intercourse

• Spotting between periods

Chlamydia Symptoms in Men

• Penile discharge

• Burning sensation while peeing

• Testicular pain and swelling (rare)

Chlamydia infection can also occur in the rectum, eyes, throat, etc., as well, therefore, chlamydia screening is the best way to diagnose an infection. High-degree of suspicion for symptoms of chlamydia helps prevent debilitating complications.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

During a chlamydia screening in Turkey, the healthcare provider will perform:

• Complete history and examination

• Take samples for bodily fluids (urine, vaginal fluid, semen)

The most common chlamydia test is the NAAT or Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. It detects the DNA of Chlamydia Trachomatis and is the recommended test due to its high sensitivity. Once diagnosed, chlamydia treatment is promptly started to avoid any complications.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia treatment is done with antibiotics for a duration of 1 to 2 weeks. After two weeks patients come back for a chlamydia follow-up to confirm that they are negative for the infection and symptom-free.

The Medical Park Group has a long and esteemed history in Turkish healthcare. With over 27 hospitals providing services across the country, patients can avail the best possible gynecological care in Turkey at the Medical Park Hospitals. These prestigious hospitals are staffed with 2500 trained and qualified doctors and healthcare professionals that provide 24-hour services to both local and international patients.