Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria may enter the body during sexual activity. It can lead to infection of the genitals (penis or vagina). It can also infect the mouth or anus following oral or anal sex. An infected pregnant woman can pass the infection to her child during the baby's passage through the birth canal. If attended to before Chlamydia reaches the critical stage, Chlamydia can be cured. But if left untreated, Chlamydia can cause severe reproductive and other health problems such as infertility. Untreated Chlamydia infections in pregnant women can lead to premature delivery. Babies born to infected women can get Chlamydia infections in their eyes and respiratory tracts.
Symptoms in men:
- Clear or whitish yellow discharge from the tip of the penis.
- Frequent urge to urinate or a burning sensation while urinating.
- Redness at the tip of the penis.
- Burning and itching around the opening of the penis.
- Pain and swelling in the testicles.
Symptoms in women:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Low back pain
- Nausea
- Fever
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Painful periods
- Itching or burning sensation in or around the vagina
- Pain when urinating
- Vaginal discharge with a bad odor
Those diagnosed with Chlamydia infection need to inform sexual partner(s) within the preceding 60 days. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics. Health care providers usually prescribe a single dose of azithromycin or a week of doxycycline. Persons infected with Chlamydia should abstain from sexual intercourse for 7 days or until completion of medications.
Epididymitis
The epididymis is a tube in the male reproductive system connecting the vas with the testicles. When the epididymis gets inflamed, it results in epididymitis. This is the result of a bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. In other cases, it can be due to E.coli and similar infections. Examination of a patient suffering from epididymitis will usually reveal tender lymph nodes in the groin and tenderness in the area of the testicles. Doppler ultrasound, tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea and blood count might reveal epididymitis.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma Venereum or LGV is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. This is caused most often by sexual contact but it can also occur due to other reasons. Lymphogranuloma Venereum is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is more prevalent in the tropical areas. Lymphogranuloma Venereum affects the lymph nodes and causes scarring and destruction of tissue. In the initial stage, Lymphogranuloma Venereum remains as a painless blister. When the disease lasts for a few months, it can spread to the lymph nodes. This may lead to lymphatic obstruction, chronic edema and fibrosis. Left untreated, it can lead to Genital elephantiasis.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum manifests as a small painless ulcer on the male or female genitalia. Swelling and tenderness is experienced in the surrounding lymph nodes. A patient suffering from Lymphogranuloma Venereum may have fever and loss of appetite. There may be drainage from the inguinal lymph nodes and redness and swelling. Women might notice abdominal pain and fistulas.
Multiple sexual partners is a leading cause for Lymphogranuloma Venereum. A blood test can confirm lymphogranuloma venereum based on antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis. Biopsy of the lymph node or serology test for LGV are also conducted to help diagnose the condition. Antibiotic therapy can cure Lymphogranuloma venereum. Medications such as Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin are prescribed.
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