Chlamydia
How is Chlamydia Transmitted?
Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal and anal sex. Young people (those under the age of 24) and people with a vagina/uterus are the most commonly affected. People with a penis/testicles are generally slightly older at the time of diagnosis. In addition, the infection can be transmitted from the mother to the newborn at birth.
Symptoms and Clinical Picture
Chlamydia infections often go unnoticed: around 70 % of infected women and around 50 % of men show few or no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they usually appear 2 to 6 weeks after infection. Symptoms manifest themselves in different ways depending on where the infection is:
| Vagina/Uterus | Penis/Testicles |
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Important: The infection remains transmissible even without symptoms!
In a vagina/uterus, an untreated chlamydia infection can lead to inflammation in the pelvic area, which can result in abdominal pain, fever, increased discharge and adhesions of the fallopian tubes. This increases the risk of an ectopic or ectopic pregnancy and can cause infertility. In rare cases, epididymitis can occur in the penis/testicles, which can also lead to infertility.
Newborns who become infected during birth can develop conjunctivitis or pneumonia.
How Can I Protect Myself Against Chlamydia?
The correct use of high-quality condoms in the right size reduces the risk of infection, but does not completely prevent it. Therefore, if you have many or frequently changing sexual partners, regular consultations with a sexual health specialist are recommended. This way, any infection can be detected and treated at an early stage.
Treatment Options for Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotics. If the disease is recognized and treated early enough, no long-term health problems need be expected.