Symptoms of Chlamydia and Chlamydia Herbal Treatment.
In this day and age, a large number of people are getting more and more liberated and sexually active. Because of this, the number of incidences concerning sexually transmitted disease is also alarmingly rising throughout the world. Some examples of these sexually transmitted diseases that have been in existence for a long time now are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HIV, Crab Louse and so much more.
Aside from sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases could also be passed through IV drug needles, child birth and breastfeeding. These are often caused by bacteria, fungi, virus, parasites and protozoan parasites.
One of the most common sexually transmitted disease is Chlamydia. Almost half of sexually active teenagers are exposed to this disease and it affects everyone no matter what the sexual preference is. This sexually transmitted disease is also difficult to detect as the symptoms could take a while to manifest. There are also various complications that come along with it. Although most are treatable, there are certain effects that could be lethal.
Causes and Risks of Chlamydia on Women
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It thrives on the human cell and could cause several diseases. It is transmitted by an infected person to another by having unprotected vaginal, oral and rectal sex. Even if there is no sexual intercourse involve, contact on the genitals of the infected person could also transmit the bacteria. Pregnant women who have Chlamydia trachomatis could pass on the infection to the infant through vaginal childbirth. It could cause blindness, pneumonia and conjunctivitis to the child as well as other complications.
Women who are infected with Chlamydia could get infections on the cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes. The infection on the mentioned areas is called Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and it could cause scarring on the reproductive organs. Because of this, there could be chronic pain on the pelvic area and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Also known as the silent killer it could also cause infertility to women when not immediately treated and premature childbirth to pregnant mothers.
Bartholitis could also be developed which is the inflammation of the Bartholin gland that produces the lubricants needed for sexual intercourse. When it gets blocked, it could lead to a cyst that may later on develop in an abscess. Other complications are Cystitis (inflammation of bladder)and high risk of being infected with HIV/AIDS.
Causes and Risks of Chlamydia on Men
The similar bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis also causes Chlamydia on men. It could also be transmitted in the same way unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex, and even just genital contact. The fluids of an infected person contain the bacterium as it is passed on.
Men infected with Chlamydia could develop Prostatitis, an infection and swelling of the prostate gland and epididymo-orchitis which is the infection on the sperm-conducting tubes and testicles. Same as women, this sexually transmitted disease could also cause infertility to men. There could also be pain and swelling on the testicles, on some cases erythema and edema on the overlying skin could also be present as well.
On some cases, a man with untreated Chlamydia could also develop the Reiters syndrome which manifests through acute arthritis, lower genital tract infection, mucocutaneous inflammatory lesions and conjunctivitis. This syndrome usually comes with malaise, fever, weight loss and anorexia.
If the infection is transmitted through oral sex, men and women might get Chlamydia bacteria on the throat and on anal sex, proctitis which is the infection on the lining of the rectum.
Symptoms of Chlamydia
The symptoms of Chlamydia are almost similar to urinary tract infection and there are times that the pain is not present so it is often left undetected. The best way to confirm if one is affected with the infection is by getting a medical test.
Chlamydia Symptoms In Women
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods
- Pain during urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Yellow discharge from Vagina
- Nausea and fever
- Pus on the affected area
- Irregular menstrual bleeding
Chlamydia Symptoms In Men
- Pain during urination
- Inflammation and infection of a duct in the testicles
- Tenderness or pain on the testicles
- White or cloudy discharge from the tip of the penis
Prevention of Chlamydia
It is always better to be safe than sorry. There are various ways of preventing Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted disease. One of the best ways is by using condoms. Condoms prevent direct contact to the genitals so the bacterium does not get transmitted; it is also used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Another way of preventing Chlamydia is by getting Chlamydia screening test regularly.
For women, cleaning the vagina with water or medicated solution (douching) is not recommended. It decreases the good bacteria in the vagina which increases the risk of infection. Furthermore, having sexual intercourse with people who have the infection must be avoided. If a person is infected, he or she should tell the other person. One must also avoid multiple partners and having sexual intercourse with strangers as one would not know if a stranger could be positive with sexually transmitted diseases.
Medical and Herbal Treatments for Chlamydia
Fortunately, if Chlamydia is detected and treated early it could be cured and the complications could be avoided. There are many ways to treat this disease and they could be classified into medical and herbal treatments.
Chlamydia is often medically treated with antibiotics for the infection. Some of the drugs prescribed are the Azithromycin (Zithromax), Doxycycline (Atridox, Bio-Tab), Erythtomycin, Amoxicillin, Levoflaxin and Ofloxacin. On some severe cases, a surgery could be done.
For treating Chlamydia with herbs, the Chinese Herbal Therapy Garlic could be used as a general immunity-fortifying tonic. Other herbs like angelica, gentian, Coptis or mishmi bitter and bupleurum could be used as well. In addition, herbs like the Mentha Piperita Hypoxis Rooperi, Agathosma Betulina (buchu), and Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) could boost the immune system and strengthen the anti-bodies to fight off infections. For rejuvenation, herbs like Schizandra chinensis, Viscum Album, Astralagus Membranaceus, Crataegus Oxyacanthoides, and Olea Europea (extract of olive leaf) are recommended for Chlamydia.
