10 facts about chlamydia infection you should know

A Chlamydia infection often progresses without symptoms and can go undetected for a long time. However, even without symptoms, Chlamydia can cause complications and be contagious. Here are ten facts about Chlamydia infections that you should know:

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. The actual number may be higher as not all cases are detected or reported.

3. Transmission Route 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 Nature Many people, especially women, infected with Chlamydia show no noticeable symptoms. This can allow the infection to go unnoticed and progress untreated.

5. Complications in Women Untreated Chlamydia infections in women can lead to severe complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancies, and infertility.

6. Complications in Men Untreated Chlamydia infections in men can lead to inflammation of the urethra (urethritis), inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis), and rarely, infertility.

7. Testing Options Chlamydia can be diagnosed in men through a simple urine test or a swab from the urethra, and in women, through a cervical swab.

8. Treatment Chlamydia infections can generally be effectively treated with antibiotics. It is important to complete the full prescribed course of treatment to successfully combat the infection.

9. Risk of Reinfection Successful treatment of a Chlamydia infection does not protect against re-infection. It is therefore important to regularly test for Chlamydia and practice safe sex.

10. Prevention The best protection against Chlamydia and other STIs is the use of condoms during sex. Regular testing, open communication with your partner, and adherence to safe sex practices can also help reduce the risk of infection.

Because Chlamydia bacteria are rapidly transmissible and can cause infections with severe consequences, both men and women should regularly test for them. An infection can be asymptomatic and therefore go undetected, yet untreated, it leads to long-term complications such as infertility.

A Chlamydia test can protect you and your loved ones from infections and complications. Check out our CoviMedical Home Tests below to learn how you can easily, safely, and discreetly test for Chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases.