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CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS
Caused by a bacterium , this sexually transmitted disease often
has no primary symptoms, however when they do arise it is
usually in the form of excessive vaginal discharge, itchiness
and tenderness of the vagina and severe abdominal pain. Men
usually experience a burning sensation upon urinating and /or an
abnormal discharge from the penis.
Chlamydia is three to five times more common than gonorrhoea and
is more frequently detected in women than in men - it is
probably the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease, with
rates the highest among teenage girls.
The major problem concerning Chlamydia Trachomatis is that it
produces no immediate symptoms, often going unnoticed and
resulting in serious problems such as infertility, miscarriage
and premature labour. These babies are often born with
conditions such as those of pneumonia and eye infections.
Another complication to consider is that of Pelvic inflammatory
disease which often results in partial or complete blockage of
the fallopian tubes, rendering the woman either sterile or in
some cases susceptible to ectopic pregnancies.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
To obtain a correct diagnosis it would be necessary to take a
sample of the infected discharge (both partners) and / or a
blood test. Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment with
antibiotics (tetracycline and doxycycline) is vital, as is a
follow-up appointment to ensure that the disease has been cured
so preventing further infection.
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