Chlamydia (pronounced kluh-MID-ee-uh) is a species of bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, that causes a variety of infections, primarily through sexual contact. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It is easily spread because it often causes mild or no symptoms and may be unknowingly passed to sexual partners.
Chlamydia is known as the “silent” venereal disease because about three-quarters of infected women and about half of infected men show no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are usually noticeable within 1-3 weeks of contact.
Chlamydia symptoms in women
- Abdominal pain with fever, itching or burning in or around the vagina
- Abnormal vaginal discharge with or without odour,
- Bleeding between periods
- Periods that are more painful than usual
- Pain while urinating or during intercourse
Chlamydia symptoms in men
- A small amount of clear or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis
- Burning or itching, painful urination
- Pain and swelling around the testicles
Why is it vital for women to get tested regularly for chlamydia?
Due to the fact that symptoms may not be present the infection can become severe. Women with severe chlamydial infection may require hospitalisation, intravenous antibiotics and pain medicine, especially if the reproductive or urinary systems are affected. Failure to get adequate treatment may lead to several health problems.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can result in damage of the fallopian tubes, scarring, and infertility. This can occur in up to 40 percent of infected women.
Scarring in and around the abdomen can also lead to pregnancy outside of the uterus, a serious condition that can potentially be fatal if not diagnosed and quickly treated.
Natural remedies for chlamydia
Although the following herbs may help the body to recover faster, proper medical attention should be sought initially for tests and conventional antibiotics.
Echinacea, garlic, golden seal and oregano may help to fight off this bacterial infection.
Coptis and Scute is a traditional Chinese blend of four different bacteria-killing herbs. Coptis rhizome (huang lian), Scutellaria root (huang qin), Phellodendron bark (huang bai), and Gardenia fruit (zhi zi). It can be used to clear the body of the Chlamydia bacteria but must be done under professional supervision.
Related subjects
- A-Z of ailments
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Genital warts
- Gonorrhoea
- Hepatitis virus infection
- Herpes
- Human immunodeficiency virus HIV AIDS
- Infertility
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Pubic lice (‘crabs’)
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Syphilis
- Thrush
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