The sexually transmitted disease caused by microorganisms that live, as
parasites within a cell would commonly be known as Chlamedia. These
microorganisms have properties in common with both viruses and bacteria, and
cause infection in humans. The causes and risk factors of the Chlamydia
infection is caused by the organism Chlamydia trachomas. It is to be the most
common sexually transmitted disease in the United states with an estimated
3,000,000 to 4,000,000 people per year. (Even with the 2,000,000 people of
gonorrhea, reported and unreported) The spread is higher among lower society
groups and among teenagers. Chlamydia is very important because of the
consequences of untreated infection. The importance of genital chlamydia
infections is without symptoms until complications appear. Chlamydia: In men,
chlamydia produces symptoms similar to gonorrhea. Chlamydia (female): Infection
with chlamydia frequently leads to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can
cause scarring of the Fallopian tubes and sterility. An estimated 20% of women
who get PID will be infertile. Tubule wounds also increases the likelihood of a
bad pregnancy (tubule pregnancy). If women are infected with chlamydia while
pregnant the infection can cause premature labor and delivery. Plus the infant
have a chance of Developing chlamydial conjunctivitis (eye infection) and a 15%
chance of developing chlamydial pneumonia. A meaning of chlamydial infections do
not cause symptoms; but when they are present; it is similar to those of
gonorrhea. In men, this may include burning with urination, discharge from the
end of the penis, tenderness or pain in the testicles and lower abdomen and
fever and. Women may also have urinary burning, increased frequency, and a mild
urethra discharge. Infection of the female reproductive tract can include the
Bartholin ducts, vagina, cervix, endometrium, and fallopian tubes. Chlamydia can
also cause rectal infections. There are three strains of chlamydia that are
responsible for another sexually transmitted disease, and is called
lymphogranuloma venereum. This disease is seen more in under developed countries
but has gone worldwide. In the United States it is seen mostly in homosexual
men. For the reason that Chlamydia infections is often found in conjunction with
gonorrhea. People who are get with gonorrhea should also be evaluated for
chlamydia infection. The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends annual chlamydia screening for all sexually active adolescent girls
and for other females who may be at high risk for the infection. People that are
25 years old don't use contraceptives all of the time and have new or multiple
sex partners. They probably have signs of a possible cervical infection have
previously had an STD. Females who are at risk because of their age and sexual
activity need to get screened at least once a year. Other chlamydia experts have
recently questioned whether that is even a lot. Based on a study experts had
conducted in 1998, colleagues at Johns Hopkins University recently recommended a
twice-yearly screening of sexually active female adolescents. In tracking more
than 3,000 sexually active Baltimore high school girls for three years, they
found that more than a quarter of them tested positive for chlamydia at least
once in that time frame. By keeping with this test screening was recommended for
pregnant women, also, because of the risk that their babies will become infected
with chlamydia at birth. No screening was given to males. Because it could have
been overlooked. "There is a lot of chlamydia in men that we're missing,
and they are a major reservoir of infection". Said the experts. "We're
really only putting a band-aid on the problem because, even if we're screening
the women, some are going back to their partners and getting reinfected."
There has been major progress in the treatment of chlamydia with antibiotics
over the past few years. Common side effects of these treatments include
diarrhea (7%), nausea (5%), abdominal pain (5%), and vomiting (2%). Once again a
person can get and spread chlamydia through unprotected vaginal and anal sex.
Preventing chlamydia means approaching sexual relationships responsibly: limit
the number of your sex partners, use condoms, and if you think you are infected,
avoid any sexual contact and visit a local STD clinic, hospital, or your
doctor.BibliographyThe Food and Drug Administration. FDA Consumer Magazine: Chlamydia's Quick
Cure: Fight Against 'Silent' STD Includes New Screening Test, One-Dose Drug,
July-August 1999. (Online) http://www.fda.gov/ fdac/features/ 1999/499_std.html
Excite. STD Home Page. 2000 Article http://adam.excite.com/info/?id=001345
Copyright ©2000 Google Inc. http://www.unspeakable.com/facts/chlamydia.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Home page http://www.cdc.gov/health/diseases.htm,
http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/chlamydia_facts.htm