In UK there has been a steady rise (almost a 76%) i between 1995-1999.
In India a high prevalence (upto40%) of lower genital tract infections due to Chlamydia has been reported according to the Institute Of Pathology, New Delhi.
In men the infection can cause strictures of urethra-
- The infection in men is asymptomatic up to 50% and is usually detected by tracing a female contact.
- Chlamydia often causes urethritis with a burning sensation while passing urine and discharge.
- The bacteria may move up in the body causing inflammation of a portion of the testis called epidydimis resulting in its inflammation.
- In Homosexuals rectal infection that may lead to its infection.
Conjunctivitis - Chlamydia can cause infection in the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis or "pink eye").
Pharyngitis- The bacteria also can infect the throat from oral sexual contact with an infected partner.
Reiter's Disease- When a patient is infected by Chlamydia and has symptoms of Urethritis, Arthritis & Conjunctivitis, then these three conditions together are called medically as "Reiter's Disease".
- The bacteria live in vaginal fluid and in semen.
- Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 3 weeks after being infected.
- The symptoms vary from an abnormal discharge (mucus or pus) from the vagina or penis or experience of pain while urinating.
- These early symptoms may be very mild.
- In woman it can cause infertility
- The most common site of infection in women is the cervix (the mouth of the uterus).
- The infection in women mostly goes unnoticed, with upto 80% of infection being asymptomatic, the symptoms when present include,
- Vaginal Discharge
- Post-coital Bleed
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain
- The infection may spread to involve the fallopian tubes ovaries and other adjoining structures if it is not treated, it may then cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).