Chlamydia

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) caused by bacteria. It is very easy to spread because most people who have it do not show any symptoms. In Africa, chlamydia is a major health issue, affecting millions of young people.

For example, studies show that in Ghana, about 22.5% of sexually active people have chlamydia yet many do not know they are infected. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility in women and complications in men.

How do you get chlamydia?

Chlamydia spreads through sexual contact, whether it is vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You do not have to have full penetration to get infected just skin-to-skin contact of the genitals can spread the bacteria.

  • Unprotected sex (without a condom) is the main way people get chlamydia.
  • Oral sex can also spread the infection, causing throat infections.
  • Pregnant women can pass it to their babies during childbirth, leading to eye infections or pneumonia in newborns.

How common is chlamydia in Africa?

Chlamydia is a silent epidemic in many African countries. According to studies:

  • In Nigeria, about 10-30% of young people have chlamydia.
  • In South Africa, studies show that about 24% of women and 17% of men who are sexually active have it.
  • In Kenya, at least 1 in 5 sexually active people is estimated to have chlamydia.

Since most people do not show symptoms, many Africans may be living with chlamydia without knowing. This is why regular testing is important.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Chlamydia is often called a “silent infection” because most people do not have symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

In women:

  • Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
  • Unusual vaginal discharge (white, yellow, or greenish).
  • Pain in the lower belly.
  • Bleeding between periods or after sex.
  • Pain during sex.
  • In severe cases, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to infertility.

In men:

  • Pain or burning when urinating.
  • Discharge from the penis (yellow, green, or white).
  • Pain in the testicles or lower abdomen.

Other possible symptoms:

  • If you have chlamydia in the anus, you may experience pain, bleeding, or discharge.
  • If you get chlamydia in the throat (from oral sex), you might have a sore throat, cough, or fever.

What happens if you don’t treat chlamydia?

Ignoring chlamydia can cause serious health problems, including:

  • Infertility (inability to have children).
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women.
  • Chronic pain in the lower belly.
  • In pregnant women, chlamydia can cause miscarriage or premature birth.
  • In men, it can lead to painful swelling of the testicles, which may affect fertility.
  • If passed to a baby, it can cause eye infections or pneumonia.

How can you prevent chlamydia?

The best way to avoid chlamydia is to take simple precautions:

  • Use condoms every time you have sex.
  • Get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
  • Talk to your partner about STIs before sex.
  • If you are pregnant, get tested to protect your baby.

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia can be cured easily with antibiotics. Doctors usually prescribe one of these:

  • Azithromycin: A single large dose.
  • Doxycycline: A pill taken twice daily for 7 days.

To prevent reinfection:

  • Finish all your medicine, even if you start feeling better.
  • Your partner should also get treated, even if they have no symptoms.
  • Avoid sex until your treatment is completed.

Key takeaways?

  • Chlamydia is very common in Africa, especially among young people.
  • Many people do not know they have it because symptoms are not always obvious.
  • If left untreated, it can cause infertility and other serious health problems.
  • Regular testing, safe sex, and early treatment are the best ways to protect yourself.

Chlamydia is not something to be ashamed of, it is a common infection that can be treated and prevented. The most important thing is to stay informed, get tested, and protect your health.