By Douglas S. Denham, DO, Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc. Medical Director
SAN ANTONIO - Chlamydia trachomatis, a bacterium, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It affects both men and women and it is transmitted through sexual contact. Symptoms may present as burning with urination, painful sexual intercourse, and discharge from the penis, vagina or rectum, or testicular pain. Unfortunately, in men and women, not everyone will have symptoms. In men, 25% of Chlamydia infections will not present with symptoms. In women, 30% will not have symptoms.
Chlamydia is diagnosed by taking swabs from the urethra or rectum and sending it to a laboratory for monoclonal antibody or fluorescent testing. Once diagnosed, the patient is treated with oral antibiotics.
People most at risk are those who have multiple sex partners. Sexual partners can transmit the bacterium back and forth, so it is necessary to treat both partners to prevent continued infection. It may also present with other sexually transmitted diseases, such as Gonorrhea or Syphilis.
Untreated Chlamydia infections can a cause severe disease in women called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes and lead to sterility or tubal pregnancy. Pregnant women can pass the infection on to their babies resulting in pneumonia or eye infection which can cause blindness.
Prevention is the key to reducing risk. Using condoms during intercourse, single sex partners and annual testing in sexually active women less than 25 and in women with multiple sex partners are ways to reduce your risk.
Clinical Trials of Texas is currently running a trial evaluating a new medication to treat Chlamydia. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Chlamydia, you may qualify for a study at CTT. See our web site, SAreseach.com or call 210-949-0122 for more information.
