Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection which affects both genders, but studies have shown that young women are more at risk of the disease.  Infection from Chlamydia often shows no signs and symptoms, although the manifestations vary between men and women in some cases documented.  Women suffering from the infection may experience cystitis, a noticeable difference in vaginal discharge, and pain stings in the lower abdomen.  Men who are infected experience unusual discharge or a passing irritation on the tip of the penis which lasts for several days.  It is important for men to note that the irritation may disappear; this does not necessarily mean that the infection has disappeared altogether.  Since this is a sexually transmitted infection, one of the best ways to prevent transmission of the disease is by using condoms before intercourse.  Using latex condoms greatly diminishes the risk of transmission; indeed, using durex condoms is one of the safest measures possible against infection.

If the infection develops to maturity, multiple complications are evident in the afflicted person.  In women, Chlamydia is known to cause pelvic infection, also called pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease can affect the normal transfer of eggs from the ovaries to the womb, since the infection the fallopian tube.  It is also known as the most common cause of infertility for women; since the fallopian tubes are disabled due to infection, the possibility of pregnancy is greatly hampered.  If a woman still manages to conceive in spite of infection, the fetus may develop in the fallopian tube, not in the womb, which may cause pain, bleeding and other complications.  The pain that may be experienced in the lower abdomen may be mistaken for other causes, so testing is absolutely necessary if symptoms ever occur.

In men, an infection may affect the sperm’s natural functions which can lead to infertility.  Inflammation of the genital area, of the testicles and the epididymo-orchitis is common, which causes pain, swollenness and redness of the scrotum.  One other complication which can also be possible, though relatively rare, is subsequent joint inflammation in men.  This complication, once it manifests, is extremely difficult to treat.

Fortunately, there is available treatment for Chlamydia through antibiotic therapy.  But it must be ensured that both sexual partners are treated so as to reduce the possibility of reinfection.  For prevention, male partners should use condoms before intercourse; latex condoms are preferred because of their durability.  If the option of using durex condoms is not considered, both partners must at least be sure that they test negative for infection before having sexual contact.

Diagnosis for Chlamydia in women may be made by taking swab samples from the cervix, by urine sampling, or by swabbing the inside of the vagina, the latter two processes the person can do by herself, thus avoiding the discomfort and disorientation in testing.  Diagnosis for men requires a simple urine sampling process, although a more reliable method is done by swabbing the inside of the tip of the penis.  This process may cause discomfort since the tip of the penis is a very sensitive area.  If a person feels or manifests the symptoms mentioned above, or infection is suspected, it is advisable that testing is done in order to ensure if transmission of the disease is possible.