CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS SYMPTOMS
In general chlamydia trachomatis is a silent disease that may not exhibit its symptoms immediately after infection. In some individuals, symptoms may not even appear. In case symptoms appear, they are different in men, women and in children.
In men
A big number of men infected by chlamydia trachomatis do not show any symptoms. For those who show symptoms, such appear long after they were infected, about three weeks after. The symptoms may include:
(a) Men infected will experience a burning sensation and pain while urinating. Most men do confuse this symptom with those of gonorrhea. Some resort to self-medication in the belief that they have gonorrhea infection. Although gonorrhea medications may work, there is a danger that chlamydia infection will reoccur.
(b) Frequent urination. This is a common chlamydia trachomatis symptom. Men in advanced age confuse this symptom with those of diabetes.
(c) Whitish or yellowish penile discharge. The discharge in most cases is odourless and most men normally think they have contracted either gonorrhea or syphilis.
(d) Irritating urethra. The urethra will itch and irritate, especially when no urination feeling is there.
(e) Epididymitis. The epididymis, which is attached to the posterior surface of the testes swells, resulting in painful testes. If this goes untreated, there is a danger of other parts being infected and infertility can occur.
(f) Severe pain between the anal area and the scrotum, leading to the individual being uncomfortable. Sitting down may be a problem.
In women
Just like in men, most women infected by chlamydia trachomatis do not show any symptoms. In case of symptoms appearing, that will be long after infection. Symptoms in women may include:
(a) Abnormal vaginal discharge. This may be whitish or yellowish and in most cases odourless. Most women infected do think that they have contracted either gonorrhea or syphilis.
(b) Burning sensation and pain during urination. Such pain may recede after urination but itching may be replaced by itching.
(c) Frequent urination. A woman infected visits the loo often at night and during the day.
(d) Pelvic pain. This can be mild or severe, depending on the extent of the disease. Severe pain may extend to the lower region of the abdomen.
(e) Abnormal 'periods' between normal menstrual periods. An infected woman will have blood flow in between regular periods. In severe cases, vaginal bleeding may occur after sexual intercourse.
(f) Heavy menstrual bleeding that may be accompanied by severe pain.
In babies
Babies who contract chlamydia trachomatis from their mother's genital tract at time of birth may show the following symptoms:
(a) Swollen eyelids. This mostly occurs at three weeks after birth and is accompanied by mild pain.
(b) Eye discharge. Milky eye discharge may follow after eyelid inflammation. The discharge may be odourless.
(c) Swelling of the pharynx.
(d) In severe cases where treatment is not obtained immediately, a baby may develop neonatal pneumonia. Coughing and chest congestion may occur.
Since the disease may not present any symptoms, those mostly at risk are advised to undergo regular screening for chlamydia trachomatis.