What is Chlamydia Infection? Symptoms, Causes & How to Treat

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common health issues that can affect both men and women, regardless of age. Among them, “chlamydia” is one of the most frequently diagnosed bacterial infections worldwide. It often goes unnoticed in its early stages because it rarely shows symptoms, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. 

If you are experiencing discomfort, pain during urination, or unusual discharge, it’s important to consult a urologist in Ahmedabad to get the right diagnosis and care. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about chlamydia, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. 

What is Chlamydia? 

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads mainly through vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person. Both men and women can contract the infection, but it often affects the genital tract, rectum, or throat. 

One of the biggest challenges with chlamydia is that it is known as a silent infection because most people don’t experience noticeable symptoms. This allows the infection to persist unnoticed, increasing the risk of spreading it to others and developing complications. 

Chlamydia is especially common among young adults aged 15–24 years. However, anyone who is sexually active can be affected, making regular screening an important part of preventive healthcare. 

What Causes Chlamydia? 

The main cause of chlamydia is infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through: 

• Unprotected sexual contact: Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person can transmit the bacteria. 
• Contact with infected fluids: The bacteria are present in semen and vaginal fluids. 
• From mother to baby: During childbirth, an infected mother can pass the infection to her newborn, which may cause eye infections or pneumonia in the baby. 
• Multiple sexual partners: Having multiple partners or not using protection increases the risk of infection. 

It’s important to understand that chlamydia cannot spread through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sharing toilets, or using the same utensils. 

What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia? 

Many people with chlamydia do not notice any symptoms, especially in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they usually develop within one to three weeks after exposure. 

In men, chlamydia symptoms may include: 

• Pain or burning sensation during urination 
• Discharge from the penis (clear or cloudy) 
• Pain and swelling in one or both testicles 
• Itching or discomfort inside the penis 

In women, symptoms may include: 

• Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unusual odour 
• Painful urination 
• Pain during sexual intercourse 
• Bleeding between menstrual periods or after intercourse 
• Lower abdominal pain 

If chlamydia affects the rectum (through anal sex), both men and women may experience: 

• Rectal pain 
• Discharge 
• Bleeding 

Since chlamydia can be easily mistaken for other infections, it’s important to get tested by a chlamydia specialist in Ahmedabad if you experience any of these symptoms. 

How is Chlamydia Diagnosed? 

Diagnosis of chlamydia is usually simple and painless. A urologist for chlamydia in Ahmedabad, like Dr. Dushyant Pawar, will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and sexual health. 

Common diagnostic tests include: 

• Urine Test: A sample of urine is tested for the presence of bacteria. 
• Swab Test: A sample is taken from the affected area, such as the cervix (in women) or urethra (in men), and examined in a lab. 
• Throat or Rectal Swab: If infection is suspected in these areas due to oral or anal sex. 

Early detection through routine STI screening helps prevent complications and protects your sexual health. 

What Are the Treatment Options for Chlamydia? 

The good news is that chlamydia is curable with the right medical treatment. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Common medications include azithromycin (a single dose) or doxycycline (taken for a week). 

Here’s what you should remember during treatment: 

• Complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve early. 
• Avoid sexual contact until both you and your partner have completed treatment and tested negatively. 
• Inform your partner(s) so they can also get tested and treated to prevent reinfection. 

If the infection has caused complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (in women) or epididymitis (in men), additional treatments and follow-up care may be required. 

Dr. Dushyant Pawar, a Urologist specialist in Ahmedabad, provides personalised diagnosis and treatment plans for sexually transmitted infections, ensuring complete recovery and confidentiality. 

How Can You Prevent Chlamydia? 

Preventing chlamydia requires awareness and responsible sexual practices. Some preventive measures include: 

• Practice safe sex: Always use condoms during sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral). 
• Get tested regularly: Routine STI screening helps detect infections early, especially if you have multiple partners. 
• Maintain mutual monogamy: Being in a long-term, mutually faithful relationship with a partner who has tested negative reduces risk. 
• Avoid sharing sex toys: If used, clean them properly between uses. 
• Limit the number of sexual partners: Fewer partners mean lower exposure risk. 
• Educate yourself and your partner: Open communication about sexual health builds trust and reduces risk. 

These steps not only prevent chlamydia but also protect against other sexually transmitted infections. 

When Should You See a Specialist? 

Suppose you experience symptoms such as burning during urination, unusual discharge, lower abdominal pain, or pain during sex. In that case, it’s essential to consult a Urologist in Ahmedabad for chlamydia as soon as possible. 

• For men: a Urologist can diagnose and treat infections effectively. 
• For women: a gynaecologist is the appropriate specialist to consult. 

You should also consider seeing a Sexologist if: 

• You’ve had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners. 
• You’ve been informed that your partner tested positive for an STI. 
• You’re planning a pregnancy and want to ensure both partners are infection-free. 

Seeking expert advice early can prevent long-term complications. Dr Dushyant Pawar, an experienced Urologist in Ahmedabad, specialises in diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted infections with compassion, confidentiality, and modern medical expertise. 

Conclusion 

Chlamydia is a common infection, but it should never be ignored. Early detection, timely treatment, and safe sexual practices are essential for maintaining good reproductive and urinary health. If you experience symptoms or suspect exposure to a sexually transmitted infection, consult a chlamydia specialist in Ahmedabad, such as Dr Dushyant Pawar, who ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Remember, the importance of regular urological check-ups cannot be overstated—routine visits to a qualified urologist play a vital role in protecting your overall health and well-being.