Chlamydia trachomatis
Chlamydia trachomatis — the most common bacterial STI. Diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.
What is Chlamydia trachomatis?
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. It is caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium attacking mucosal cells of the genital tract, eye, and throat.
Symptoms of chlamydia
- In women (70-80% asymptomatic!): Abnormal vaginal discharge, burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse
- In men: Urethral discharge, burning during urination, testicular pain
- Rectal infection: Pain, discharge, rectal bleeding
Complications of untreated chlamydia
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — infection spreads to uterus and fallopian tubes
- Salpingitis — may lead to infertility
- Ectopic pregnancy — increased risk due to tubal damage
- Chronic pelvic pain — consequence of post-PID adhesions
- Neonatal infection — conjunctivitis and pneumonia in newborns
Diagnostics
- PCR test (NAAT) — gold standard, high sensitivity and specificity
- Cervical/urethral swab — direct mucosal sampling
- Urine test — non-invasive alternative
Treatment
Chlamydia is successfully treated with antibiotics (azithromycin or doxycycline). Both partners must be treated and a follow-up test done after 3 months.
Written by
Dr Slobodanka Petković
Specialist in Gynaecology & Obstetrics · 35+ years of experience
Patients often ask
Chlamydia is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral). It can also pass from mother to child during delivery.
Yes, untreated chlamydia can cause salpingitis and adhesions, potentially leading to tubal infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
