Chlamydia Symptoms, Causes and Treatments in Singapore
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Chlamydia is a type of bacterial infection that can be transmitted via vaginal, anal or oral sexual intercourse.
What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in Singapore. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The STI can be transmitted via contact with the mucous membranes of the vagina, urethra, rectum, or mouth. It is also possible for a mother with chlamydia to pass the infection to her baby during vaginal delivery.
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Symptoms of Chlamydia
Chlamydia is sometimes referred to as a silent disease. In its early stages, chlamydia often goes unnoticed as there are very few apparent signs or symptoms. Symptoms of chlamydia may differ slightly between men and women.
For men, symptoms may include:
- A burning sensation or pain while urinating
- Discharge from the penis
- Itching around the penis
- Testicular pain and swelling
For women, symptoms may include:
- A burning sensation or pain while urinating
- Abnormal discharge from the vagina
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods
For those who have engaged in anal sex, they may experience symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge and bleeding.
In addition, it is also possible to get a chlamydial eye infection (conjunctivitis) if there is direct contact made with infected body fluids.
Causes and Risk Factors of Chlamydia
Chlamydia can be spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Chlamydia is most commonly spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex.
You will be at a higher risk of being infected with chlamydia if you:
- Are sexually active before the age of 25
- Have multiple sex partners
- Do not use condoms during sexual intercourse
- Have a history of STIs
Diagnosing Chlamydia
STD tests can be conducted to diagnose chlamydia. These include:
- A urine test, where a sample of your urine is analysed in a lab for the presence of chlamydia.
- A swab test, where a swab of the discharge from your cervix is tested for chlamydia. This can be done during a routine Pap test, and the patient can swab their vagina themselves. For males, the swab is inserted into the urethra or the anus.
For patients who have been diagnosed and treated for a chlamydia infection, they should get retested in about three months.
Complications of Chlamydia
Chlamydia, if left untreated, can cause serious damage to your reproductive organs, as well as other health problems. Complications of chlamydia may include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. This refers to an infection of the female reproductive organs. Many patients do not realise they have this disease as the signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease tend to be unnoticeable or mild. More severe symptoms include chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilised egg implants itself outside the womb.
- Premature delivery and stillbirth, if you are infected during pregnancy. In addition, the infection can be passed on to the baby during vaginal delivery, potentially causing an infection of the lung (pneumonia) or eye (conjunctivitis) for the baby.
- In rare cases, chlamydia can cause the epididymis to be infected, causing fever, scrotal pain, swelling and sterility in men.
- In rare cases, chlamydia can cause inflammation of the joints (arthritis), along with lesions on the skin and inflammation of the eye and urethra.
- The early detection and treatment of chlamydia can help to lower the risk of health complications. However, since chlamydia symptoms often go unnoticed due to its mildness, it is important to get screened for chlamydia, especially for individuals who are at a higher risk of infection.
Treatment for Chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis can be treated using antibiotics. For most patients, a single dose of oral Azithromycin or Doxycycline twice daily for a week will be prescribed. For patients who are pregnant or below the age of 18, Erythromycin may be prescribed. It usually takes a period of one to two weeks for the infection to be fully cured. It is important that you abstain from sex as the infection can still be passed on during this period even if you do not have any symptoms. You may wish to consider retesting after your treatment to assure yourself and your partner, but it is not mandatory.
Preventing Chlamydia
Being sexually active will put you at risk of being infected with chlamydia. However, there are preventive steps that you can take that will lower your risk of chlamydia. These include:
- Using a condom correctly during sexual intercourse, be it vaginal, oral or anal sex.
- Not sharing sex toys.
- Limiting your number of sexual partners.
- Getting screened regularly.
Consulting a doctor regarding your condition
If you suspect that you may be at risk of contracting an STI such as chlamydia, you can consult a doctor regarding your condition. After assessing your symptoms, if there are any, or your sexual history, your doctor will be able to identify and prescribe tests as required.
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“Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).” Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - Symptoms and Cases - Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 30 Apr. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352594.
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