Chlamydia Infection

What is Chlamydia?
Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in Singapore. It is caused by a bacterium - Chlamydia trachomatis. Approximately 60 to 80% of women will have no noticeable symptoms of an infection, and when symptoms are present they are usually mild. Chlamydia infections affect both men and women.

How is Chlamydia Transmitted?
The primary mode of transmission is sexual intercourse-oral, anal or genital. Chlamydia infection is mainly transmitted from person to person through contact with the mucous membranes of the vagina, urethra, rectum or mouth. The infection can be present for long periods of time, even years, without any signs of infection.

What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?
Symptoms include vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and sometimes painful urination. Men infected with the bacteria may complain of a burning sensation upon urination, a discharge from the penis, and increased frequency of urination. However, Chlamydia may also be present with no noticeable symptoms at all. Up to 80% of women may be symptom free.

How do I get screened?
Chlamydia can be detected using a very sensitive method (PCR – Polymerase Chain Reaction). This can be done on urine and cervical specimens. Sexually active women under the age of 25-years, in particular, are recommended to have the screening test. If you have had unprotected sex with casual partners or sex workers, you should also have the test done.

Can Chlamydia be cured?
Chlamydial infections are easily cured with antibiotics. A single dose of Azithromycin is effective. A week-long course of Doxycycline is equally effective. These medications are taken by mouth. Because Chlamydia is easily passed between sexual partners, it is advisable for both you and your partner to be treated at the same time, even if neither of you are presently having symptoms.

Can I have sexual intercourse while being treated?
We recommend abstaining from sex until finishing your antibiotics.

Does Chlamydia cause other problems?
Chlamydia infections that go unrecognized and untreated for long periods of time can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a painful infection of the lower abdominal organs in women. A persistent infection can cause scarring of the fallopian tubes. This can result in a fertilized egg being implanted outside the uterus, a condition called ectopic pregnancy. Damage to the reproductive organs can result in sterility. This is why it is so important to be aware of the symptoms of infection and report any suspicious ones to your clinician, even if mild, and to get routine Chlamydia tests with annual Pap smears. In men, the bacteria can cause infections of the urethra, prostate gland, and rectum, as well as epididymitis, a painful inflammation of the tiny structures inside the testicles where sperm are stored. It can also affect the eyes and lungs of newborn babies if the mother has untreated infection in pregnancy.

What happens if a pregnant women has Chlamydia?
Chlamydial infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature delivery and stillbirth. In addition, babies born to women with chlamydial infections can become infected by passing through the birth canal. Such babies run the risk of developing conjuctivitis or pneumonia. A pregnant woman with Chlamydia is usually treated with a different antibiotic that will not harm the fetus. If you are pregnant, or think you may be, tell your clinician so the correct antibiotic can be prescribed

If you are being treated for Chlamydia:

Take all medications as directed.
See that your partner is also treated.
Abstain from sexual intercourse while both of you are taking medication.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RETURN FOR MY FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS?

At DSC, patients will be given follow-up appointments as part of the management of the infection.
For chlamydia infection, a test of cure is not necessary unless symptoms persist or re-infection is suspected.
Test of cure is however recommended after 4 weeks for infection in pregnant women.
Patients will be given a 3rd month appointment for blood test to screen for Syphilis.
DSC will contact patients who missed the appointments, either by phone or letter as a gentle reminder.
Please inform the clinic if there is any change of phone number or address.