(HOLD) Hidden dangers of Chlamydia which always mistaken for a UTI
Untreated chlamydia is a leading cause of preterm birth. It can cause inflammation and infections in the reproductive tract, increasing the chances of early labour, which poses risks to both the mother and the baby.
For months, Laurah* struggled with recurring infections, treating one after another with over-the-counter medication. She assumed it was a urinary tract infection (UTI) and followed all the advice she received on how to keep the recurring infections at bay.
Despite adhering to these recommendations, she never fully understood the real cause of her condition.
“I’m one of those people who feel uncomfortable with certain examinations, so it never occurred to me to see a professional and get to the root of my persistent infections,” she admits.
When she became pregnant, the infection worsened, growing more intense and severe. Urination became painful, and intimate contact with her spouse became increasingly uncomfortable and concerning.
"Every time I went to the bathroom, there was a thick, foul smell that alarmed me. When I visited a health facility, they initially assumed it was a UTI, but the infection only got worse," she recalls.
It was only after a thorough examination that she was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) -Chlamydia. However, she was told such infections are prevalent in pregnant women—a response that left her with more questions than answers.
When people hear about sexually transmitted diseases, they often think of herpes, gonorrhoea, syphilis, or HIV. However, chlamydia frequently goes unnoticed because its symptoms closely resemble those of a urinary tract infection. As a result, many individuals unknowingly live with the infection for a long time, as the symptoms are not always immediately apparent.
Chlamydia is a common STI caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It can affect both men and women and is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Chlamydia often presents with mild or no symptoms, which is why many people may have it without knowing. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
In both men and women, chlamydia can cause symptoms such as painful urination and abnormal discharge. Women may experience lower abdominal pain, pain during intercourse, bleeding between periods, and unusual vaginal discharge, while men may develop testicular pain, swelling, and discharge from the penis. However, many people may not notice symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Umi Noor, a medical practitioner in Eastleigh, warns that chlamydia is a highly prevalent but often overlooked STI. Many individuals unknowingly live with the disease for extended periods, mistaking its symptoms for other common infections like UTIs. As a result, they delay seeking treatment, only visiting healthcare facilities when the infection has already progressed to a severe stage. This delay can have devastating health consequences, particularly for women, who are more vulnerable due to their anatomical structure.
“The symptoms of chlamydia include mouth sores, persistent itchiness, a whitish fish-like smelly discharge, and painful urination,” Dr Umi explains. “In men, it can even lead to erectile dysfunction. The infection is highly contagious and can spread easily from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact, whether vaginal, anal, or oral.”
Because chlamydia often presents mild or no symptoms, many people unknowingly pass it to their partners. The lack of immediate discomfort means some may not prioritise screening, allowing the bacteria to cause long-term internal damage.
Dr Umi emphasises that chlamydia poses an even greater risk for pregnant women. The infection can cross the placental barrier, potentially affecting the unborn child. If left untreated, it can result in severe complications, including stillbirth, as chlamydia has been linked to foetal death in extreme cases.
Newborns exposed to the bacteria during birth are at risk of developing ophthalmia neonatorum, a severe eye infection that can lead to permanent blindness. Some babies also develop pneumonia, which can be life-threatening if not treated early. Additionally, chlamydia has been associated with ear infections in newborns, which could result in long-term hearing complications.
“It’s crucial for both partners to get treated for chlamydia instead of just one. If only one partner seeks treatment while the other remains infected, it leads to reinfection, creating a cycle that can cause serious health issues,” she explains.
Untreated chlamydia is a leading cause of preterm birth. It can cause inflammation and infections in the reproductive tract, increasing the chances of early labour, which poses risks to both the mother and the baby.
Chlamydia also weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to other infections, including HIV. For HIV-positive patients, chlamydia can be particularly dangerous, as the weakened immune system struggles to fight off the infection, allowing it to spread beyond the reproductive organs to other parts of the body. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Dr Umi stresses the importance of regular screening and testing, especially for pregnant women and sexually active individuals. She explains that for every four people infected with chlamydia, two are women—making them more affected than men due to their biological makeup.
She encourages proper hydration and maintaining good reproductive health, emphasising that prevention and early detection are key. Women, particularly those who are pregnant, should be vigilant about their reproductive health, undergo regular STI screenings, and seek medical care immediately if they experience any unusual symptoms.
“Staying hydrated, seeking prompt medical attention, and ensuring that both partners receive treatment are essential in preventing complications. Chlamydia is easily treatable with antibiotics, but when ignored, it can lead to long-term health consequences that are entirely avoidable.”
UTI and chlamydia are both common infections that affect the urinary and reproductive systems, often presenting with similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish between them. However, despite their similarities, they have different causes, transmission methods, and long-term health implications.
Difference between UTI and chlamydia
A UTI is typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. It can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.
UTIs are not sexually transmitted, though sexual activity can increase the risk by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
On the other hand, chlamydia is an STI caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads primarily through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Unlike a UTI, chlamydia can infect the reproductive organs, causing complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women and epididymitis in men. While chlamydia may present with similar symptoms to a UTI, such as painful urination and pelvic discomfort, it can also cause abnormal vaginal or penile discharge, pain during intercourse, and in some cases, no symptoms at all.
Since chlamydia can go undetected for long periods, it poses a greater risk for long-term complications, including infertility and an increased susceptibility to other infections, such as HIV.
A key difference between the two infections is their treatment approach. UTIs are treated with antibiotics targeted at bacterial infections in the urinary tract, whereas chlamydia requires antibiotics specifically designed to eliminate Chlamydia trachomatis.
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections, which can be serious but are generally easier to treat compared to the complications of untreated chlamydia, which may result in irreversible damage to the reproductive system.
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