10 facts about chlamydia infection you should know
A chlamydia infection often has no symptoms and therefore remains undetected for a long time. But even without symptoms, chlamydia can cause complications—and be contagious. Here are ten facts you should know about Chlamydia infections:
1. High prevalence
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in many countries, including Germany.
2. Frequency in Germany
In 2019, over 300,000 cases of chlamydia infections were reported in Germany. However, the actual number may be higher as not all cases are detected or reported.
3. Transmission path
Chlamydia is mainly transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. However, the infection can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth.
4. Asymptomatic
Many people, especially women, infected with chlamydia do not have any noticeable symptoms. This allows the infection to go unnoticed and progress untreated.
5. Complications in women
Untreated chlamydial infections in women can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
6. Complications in men
In men, untreated chlamydial infections can lead to inflammation of the urethra (urethritis), inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) and, rarely, infertility.
7. Test options
Chlamydia can be diagnosed with a simple urine test or urethral swab in men and with a cervical swab in women.
8. Treatment
Chlamydia infections can usually be effectively treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the full prescribed course of treatment in order to successfully control the infection.
9. Reinfection
Successful treatment of a chlamydia infection does not protect against reinfection. It is therefore important to test yourself regularly for chlamydia and to protect yourself during sexual intercourse.
10. Prevention
The best protection against chlamydia and other STIs is to use condoms during sex. Regular testing, open communication with your partner, and adhering to safe sex practices can also help reduce the risk of infection
Since chlaymdia bacteria can be transmitted quickly and can cause infections with serious consequences, men and women should be tested for them regularly. Infection can be asymptomatic and therefore go undetected - but left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications such as infertility.
A test for chlamydia can protect you and your loved ones from infection and complications. Check out our CoviMedical Home tests below and learn how you can test yourself for chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases easily, safely and discreetly.
