Chlamydia is an infection caused by sexual transmission. These are regular among sexually active young people. This is a bacterial infection mainly caused by unprotected sex, leading to harmful impacts. Both men and women fall victim to this infection, however, they are unaware that they are affected by it. Here we take a look at what is chlamydia, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and how to restore fertility.
Can Chlamydia lead to Infertility?
Yes, Chlamydia can lead to infertility in both men and women, when untreated for a long time. In women, the infection could turn into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is the major reason for infertility, causing permanent damage to the reproductive organs.
How Chlamydia Causes Infertility in Women?
Chlamydia can lead to PIDs, where scarring tissue develops on the fallopian tubes, which prevents the egg from getting fertilized, leading to miscarriage, and premature birth.
Around 1 in 5 women with chlamydia have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), causing permanent damage to the reproductive organs. However, not all women with chlamydia will have fertility-related problems, as regular antibiotics can reduce the risk.
How Chlamydia Causes Infertility in Men?
Reports suggest that around half the men who develop chlamydia have symptoms in the first three weeks. Men experience poor quality and mobility of sperm, swelling in the testicle, and white discharge. Although Chlamydia causing infertility in men is rare, it causes serious damage to the epidydimis and vas deferens leading to outflow obstruction.
Role of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in Infertility
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection caused in women, which affects the reproductive organs such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The effect of PID can be felt in the lower abdomen or pelvis. They cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs leading to infertility.
Association between Chlamydia and PID
The research noted that 10 to 15% of the women, who have chlamydia, have ascending infection into terus, fallopian tubes and if left untreated can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This could lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain. PIDs occur most commonly in women and people of age 15-25.
How PIDs Cause Infertility in Women?
PIDs can cause the formation of scar tissue inside the fallopian tube. This scarring blocks the tubes by preventing the egg from getting fertilized, causing infertility. These can also prevent the fertilized egg from moving into the uterus, leading to the egg growing in the fallopian tube(ectopic), which could lead to bleeding into the abdomen and pelvis, which could be life-threatening.
What are the Symptoms of Chlamydia and PIDs?
Chlamydia is often a silent infection, that most people unnoticed. However, there are certain symptoms of chlamydia. Men often notice the symptoms within one to three weeks, however only a few women have symptoms of chlamydia and PIDs. Here are the most common symptoms of Chlamydia in women and men.
Symptoms in Women
- Having painful sexual intercourse.
- Frequent vaginal discharge.
- Caustic sensation and pain during urination.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Swelling in the cervix.
- Bleeding between the periods cycle.
- Burning and discomfort around the vagina.
Symptoms in Men
- Pain or burning sensation while urination.
- Yellow or greenish or greyish discharge from the penis.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Pain or inflammation in testicles.
- Watery discharge from the penis
Symptoms for PID
- Prolonged Fever.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Nausea.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding during periods
Diagnosis and Testing
Diagnosis of Chlamydia
- Chlamydia can be diagnosed using the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) by collecting urine samples and endocervical swabs, high vaginal/ penis swabs and testing them in the laboratory.
- A medical history, sexual activity, and symptoms are analyzed.
When should I get tested for Chlamydia?
Chlamydia affects young people below 25 years of age, who are sexually active. Most of the time, the bacteria affect silently, without showing any symptoms. It is recommended to take the Chlamydia test if:
- You are younger and having unprotected sex.
- If you have multiple or a new sex partner.
- Pregnant women need to take the test to avoid transmitting it to their children.
- Having a chlamydia infection history in the past.
Testing Methods for Men and Women
Urine samples and endocervical swabs, high vaginal/penile swabs are collected and tested in the laboratory to determine the infection and bacteria content.
Treatment of Chlamydia & Prevention of Infertility
General Antibiotics Used for Chlamydia Treatment
Some of the most general antibiotics used for the treatment of Chlamydia infections are Doxycycline and Azithromycin. Doxycycline is generally taken seven days a week. Whereas a single dose of Azithromycin is taken, during pregnancy. Although these are the general antibiotics used, it is always suggested to follow the medications prescribed by the doctor.
How to prevent Infertility after Chlamydia
Untreated Chlamydia doesn’t mean that the couple can not conceive. Some people carry bacteria long-term and have no fertility problems. Following the prescribed anti-biotics, regular testing for chlamydia can prevent one from infertility issues.
Preventive Measures for Chlamydia (Safe Sex Practices, Regular Testing)
- Use barriers such as condoms and other preventives during intercourse, anal sex, or oral sex.
- Get tested regularly for Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted infections with new partners.
- Request your partner to get tested, to reduce the spread of STIs.
- Do not share your sex toys.
How fertility can be restored after Chlamydia?
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for Infertility
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) is an advanced technology-assisted process for achieving pregnancy.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
If both the tubes are damaged , IVF may be recommended by your doctor. In IVF, the eggs and sperm of the couple are fused and incubated in the laboratory to form an embryo. The embryo is then implanted inside the woman’s uterus resulting in a successful pregnancy.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
It is the process of injecting a man’s sperm into the uterus using a long narrow straw. This method is highly effective for women, who have issues in the cervix and men with low mobility and sperm count.
Infertility can also be treated using Sperm Donation, Egg Donation, Surrogacy, and Embryo Donation.
Conclusion
In summary, Chlamydia is one of the recurrently transmitted infections, yet unnoticed, and untreated. These are regular among young, sexually active people and can be treated with basic antibiotics, regular testing, and safe sexual practices. However, not treating the infection for a long time may cause hazardous effects on the sexual life. It is always suggested to get diagnosed at an early stage to avoid complications.
FAQs
There is no specified timeframe for chlamydia to affect fertility. However, treating at an early stage can stop the spread of bacteria.
Yes, infertility caused by Chlamydia can be reversed, if it is treated at an earlier stage using the right antibiotics and safe sexual practices.
Infertility caused due to chlamydia is 10-40% in women. However, the PIDs are the major reason for infertility, which is kept untreated for a long period. Chlamydia also affects men, by lowering the sperm count and the quality of the sperm and increasing the risk of inflammation in tube-carrying sperm, causing infertility. However, it occurs on rare occasions in men.
Visit a doctor or a health provider for a diagnosis. Give your fluid samples and follow the medication process to restore your sexual health.
Yes, chlamydia affects male fertility by reducing the sperm count and mobility. It also causes swelling in testicles which makes it hard to produce sperm. However, treating it early can prevent the condition.
