What can chlamydia do to a pregnant woman
Chlamydia and pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby
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Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects both men and women. Chlamydia can also cause a number of issues during pregnancy.
Most people with chlamydia are unaware that they have the infection. Left untreated, chlamydia can cause serious complications including infertility and chronic pain. Chlamydia is fairly easy to treat if you know you have it — one course of antibiotics is usually enough.
Causes of chlamydia
Chlamydia is caused by an infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is spread by unprotected (unsafe) vaginal or anal sex with an infected person.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in Australia.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia?
Most men and women with chlamydia have no signs or symptoms, which makes it very easy to spread. Some people have the infection for many months or years without knowing it.
Women who get symptoms may have:
- vaginal discharge
- bleeding between periods or after sex
- burning or pain when urinating
- abdominal or pelvic pain
- pain during sex
Men who get symptoms may have some clear discharge from the penis or pain during urination.
In rare cases, people with chlamydia have sore joints (arthritis) or inflammation of the eye (uveitis).
Diagnosing chlamydia
Chlamydia is easily diagnosed. Your doctor may take a sample from the vagina, cervix, anus or penis, and may ask for a urine test. These are sent to a laboratory for testing.
If you think you or your partner have chlamydia, see your doctor or sexual health clinic so you can both be tested.
It is important that any sexual partners of people with chlamydia are tested, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Treating chlamydia
Treatment for chlamydia is a course of antibiotics. It is important to avoid sex until the full course of treatment is finished, and for at least a week following. You should have another test 3 months after you are treated.
If you have chlamydia, all of your sexual partners should be informed, tested and treated, as they may be infected and can infect you, and others, again after treatment.
If your partner has had a positive test for chlamydia, you should be treated even if you have had a negative test result. As chlamydia infection increases the possibility of contracting other infections, it is important to be tested for other STIs such as gonorrhoea, hepatitis, HIV and syphilis. Using latex condoms and a water-based lubricant is the most effective way to prevent STIs. People who have chlamydia for long periods without treatment risk becoming infertile or developing arthritis.
Women can get pelvic inflammatory disease, and men can get epididymitis (a painful infection near the testicle).
Chlamydia complications
If chlamydia isn't treated properly, it can cause serious complications. People who have chlamydia for long periods without treatment risk becoming infertile or developing arthritis.
For women, chlamydia can spread into the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to ectopic pregnancies, chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
In men, chlamydia can cause epididymitis (a painful infection near the testicle) or spread to the prostate gland, and the tubes that carry sperm, which may result in chronic pain and/or fertility problems.
Both men and women can develop arthritis, eye inflammation and inflammation of the rectum.
Chlamydia and pregnancy
Because of this, doctors recommend that pregnant women under the age of 30 should be screened for chlamydia.
Pregnant women who are infected with chlamydia have an increased risk of their waters breaking prematurely, causing the baby to be born early.
If a woman has chlamydia when giving birth, the baby might become infected during delivery. These babies can develop an eye infection (conjunctivitis) or pneumonia, and might need antibiotics. Chlamydia has also been associated with low birthweight.
The antibiotics used to treat chlamydia are safe in pregnancy and are used in pregnant women for many other types of infections.
Sources:
Australian Sexual Health Alliance (STI Management Guidelines for use in primary care; Chlamydia), King Edward Memorial Hospital Women and Newborn Health Service (Chlamydia clinical practice guideline), Lab Tests Online AU (Chlamydia), Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (National Management Guidelines for Sexually Transmissible Infections - Chlamydia), NSW Health (Chlamydia fact sheet)Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: November 2020
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- Routine antenatal tests
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Chlamydia - MyDr.com.au
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It affects both men and women, and it's spread by having sex with a person who has the infection.
Read more on myDr website
Chlamydia - Better Health Channel
Chlamydia is often called the 'silent infection' because most people do not realise they have it.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Chlamydia fact sheet - Fact sheets
Chlamydia is a sexually transmissible infection.
Many people who are infected do not have symptoms of infection but can still spread the disease. Chlamydia can lead to infertility, and other complications if not treated.
Read more on NSW Health website
Chlamydia | Family Planning NSW
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria. It affects both men and women. Most people with chlamydia do not have symptoms. This means you can pass the infection to a partner without knowing it. Having a regular sexual health check-up can help you find out if you have chlamydia.
Read more on Family Planning NSW website
Chlamydia treatment for your partner - Play Safe
Did you know it’s possible for your partner to get treated for Chlamydia without ever having to see a GP or go to a sexual health clinic? This is known as Patient Delivered Partner Therapy (PDPT)
Read more on NSW Health website
The facts about Chlamydia, what it is, how to prevent it, and how to treat it
Chlamydia is on the rise in Australia and it’s the most important thing for young people to test for.
It often doesn’t have any symptoms which means that it’s easy to miss without regular STI testing.
Read more on NSW Health website
Trachoma - Eye Infection
Trachoma is a preventable eye condition caused by repeated infections with eye strains of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis that lead to a roughening of the inner surface of the eyelid.
Read more on Queensland Health website
Gonorrhoea | Family Planning NSW
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex, or by the fingers and hands from the genitals to the eyes. It is less common in the general community than other STIs such as chlamydia.
Read more on Family Planning NSW website
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) | Healthy Male
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection you get or give during sexual activity.
STIs can be caused by viruses (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus, herpes), bacteria (e.g., gonorrhea, syphilis), or parasites (e.g., pubic lice).
Read more on Healthy Male - Andrology Australia website
STIs and pregnancy
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), if left untreated, can cause serious problems for both mother and child.
Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
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Chlamydia During Pregnancy - American Pregnancy Association
Navigating pregnancy is difficult enough, but the addition of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia during pregnancy can add more stress. If you think you may have an STI during your pregnancy, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider and get tested right away.
If you think you may have (or have already been diagnosed with chlamydia during your pregnancy), you probably have a lot of questions about how the infection could affect your baby and your prenatal care. Answers to all these questions are presented below!
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection and is the most commonly reported bacterial STI. It is often symptomless, making it difficult to diagnose without running tests. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that all pregnant women be screened at their first prenatal visit, and additionally if any symptoms appear or if risk factors are present.
The CDC estimates that there are 2.86 million infections each year in the USA, with some individuals accounting for multiple cases.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia during pregnancy?
In most cases, there are no symptoms. Some women may experience vaginal discharge and/or pelvic or abdominal pain.
Males usually have pain while urinating and may have a discharge from the penis.
If you are pregnant and you notice your partner is experiencing these symptoms, you should both be screened for STIs like chlamydia.
Am I at risk for contracting chlamydia during my pregnancy?
Anyone who is sexually active (outside of a monogamous relationship where you both have not had previous sexual partners) is at risk for contracting chlamydia via vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
You have the highest risk of contracting chlamydia during your pregnancy if you are sexually active and:
- Have multiple sexual partners,
- Have sex without a condom,
- Have had a previous or current STI, and/or
- Have a partner with an STI.
How will chlamydia affect my pregnancy?
The largest risk to the fetus is if the infection goes untreated. The CDC suggests that all pregnant women be tested at the first prenatal appointment.
If you are at a higher risk for contracting STIs during your pregnancy (i.e. have a new sexual partner or multiple partners), an additional test should be done in the third trimester so that treatment can be started before delivery.
If you have an active or untreated chlamydia infection during delivery, the baby has a chance of contracting the infection that will affect the baby in one of two ways: chlamydial conjunctivitis (18-44% of cases) or chlamydial pneumonia (3-16%).
The CDC also states that an active chlamydia infection during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery.
Can my baby get chlamydia from me?
Yes, chlamydia may be spread from mother to child during birth (perinatal transmission).
The best way to prevent passing chlamydia to your baby during birth is to clear the infection before you are due. This is why first and third trimester screenings are so important, as well as reporting any new symptoms to your doctor.
How is chlamydia diagnosed?
Chlamydia may be diagnosed by your healthcare provider using a lab test to assess the secretions from the infected area which may include the cervix, urethra, anus, or throat. The lab may also use a urine sample for testing.
How is chlamydia treated during pregnancy?
Chlamydia may be treated and cured with antibiotics administered orally. This may be either a single dose or a 7-day course. The antibiotics used are typically safe during pregnancy.
If you continue seeing symptoms after a few days into the antibiotic treatment, you should return to your doctor for another evaluation. The CDC suggests that pregnant women who are treated for chlamydia infection should be retested at 3 weeks and 3 months post-treatment since reinfection is somewhat common.
How can I prevent getting chlamydia during pregnancy?
There are only two 100% effective ways to prevent chlamydia. The first is to refrain from sexual contact of any kind. The second is to be in a long-term monogamous relationship such as marriage in which both of you test negative for STIs.
According to the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS), the consistent and correct use of condoms can decrease the risk of contracting chlamydia during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse by only 60%.
Compiled using information from the following sources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm
2. Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chlamydia-trachomatis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20315310
3. Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
Chlamydia during pregnancy - what to do?
20.10.2020
Very often during pregnancy a woman begins to manifest various sexually transmitted infections. After all, the body is weakening, and many infections occur without symptoms. One of the most common infections that have a negative impact on the development of the fetus is chlamydia.
Chlamydia during pregnancy is dangerous for women and babies, as it affects the bearing and development of the child. nine0003
Features of chlamydia in a pregnant woman
Infection during this period practically does not manifest itself, if the disease is not in the acute phase, so it becomes difficult to notice it and take timely measures.
The latent course of the disease leads to the fact that it can be noticed only when mucopurulent discharges already appear and the stomach begins to hurt . Another difficulty is that it is very difficult to detect chlamydia. The only exception is a smear on PCR , which basically gives the correct result.
Consequences of chlamydia during pregnancy
Chlamydia during pregnancy is even more dangerous than in ordinary life. If in a non-pregnant state they simply cause various diseases that directly affect conception and gestation, then during pregnancy they also have an effect on the fetus.
This suggests that because of this, a woman may simply not bear a fetus and a miscarriage will occur, and in later periods the infection may provoke premature birth .
The disease may also affect the course of pregnancy . For example, toxicosis in a woman who is infected with chlamydia can be pronounced.
And also polyhydramnios, anemia, phytoplacental insufficiency may appear, as a result of which the baby simply stops developing.
For a baby, chlamydia is dangerous because when passing through the birth canal, the child can get an infection that manifests itself as conjunctivitis, otitis media and pneumonia . nine0003
This is why many doctors recommend treating the infection to minimize such symptoms for both the woman and the baby.
Most often, a woman infects her baby with chlamydia while still in the womb. But it also happens that the baby becomes infected when it passes through the birth canal.
Chlamydia are dangerous for newborn babies, as they can cause not only serious illnesses, but even death.
Diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia
A woman should be examined at the stage of pregnancy planning . If it was not planned, then it is necessary to pass all tests in the first trimester in order to be ready for the necessary treatment.
Even during pregnancies both partners should be treated at the same time. Treatment doctors prescribe both local and general.
Vulvovaginitis is treated locally , and if the appendages are already affected, then antibacterial drugs are prescribed. When treating, it is necessary to choose those drugs, most often these are antibiotics that do not pass through the feto-placental barrier. However, even in this case, there is a possibility of an effect on the fetus. That is why the course of treatment will be short in order to minimize the risks. Along with antibiotics, medications are usually selected that will prevent the development of dysbacteriosis intestines .
Treatment of chlamydia during pregnancy is a very long process, since the infection may not be cured the first time, given that the woman's body is weakened. Another course of treatment may be required.
Published in Pregnancy and Pregnancy Management Premium Clinic
Chlamydia - CCD #2
What is chlamydia?
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). The disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydia trachomatis), which affects the female genital area and is the cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. Manifestations of chlamydia are usually minor or absent, but serious complications develop. Complications can cause irreparable damage to the body, including infertility - all this proceeds very secretly. nine0003
Chlamydia also causes penile discharge in infected men.
Ways of transmission of chlamydia
Chlamydia can be transmitted through:
- vaginal or anal contact with an infected partner;
- less common with oral sex;
- use of sex toys with an infected partner;
- infection of a newborn during childbirth from a sick mother.
Absolutely all sexually active people can get chlamydia.
The greater the number of sexual partners, the greater the risk of infection. The risk of infection is especially high in girls, because their cervix is not fully formed. About 75% of new cases occur in women under 25 years of age. By the age of 30, approximately 50% of sexually active women have had chlamydia. In sexually active men, the risk of infection is highest between the ages of 20 and 24. nine0003
You cannot get chlamydia through kisses, hugs, dishes, baths, towels.
Manifestations of chlamydia
Chlamydia is very secretive. About 75% of infected women and 50% of infected men are asymptomatic. If manifestations of the disease develop, then this occurs approximately 1 to 3 weeks after infection.
In women, chlamydia first affects the cervix and urethra (urinary canal).
Manifestations:
- unusual vaginal discharge; nine0091
- pain or discomfort when urinating;
If the infection penetrates to the appendages, manifestations are possible:
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- pain in the lumbar region;
- nausea;
- slight increase in temperature;
- pain during intercourse or bleeding after it;
- bleeding between periods.
Symptoms in men:
- clear or cloudy discharge from the penis; nine0091
- pain or discomfort when urinating;
- there may be burning and itching in the area of the outlet of the urethra;
- rarely pain and/or swelling of the testicles.
Men or women who have anal sex with an infected partner can infect the rectum, resulting in inflammation, pain, discharge, or bleeding from the rectum.
Chlamydia can cause sore throat (pharyngitis) in men and women who have oral contact with an infected partner. nine0003
What complications can develop if chlamydia is not treated?
If the disease is not treated, serious short-term and persistent complications develop. Like the disease itself, complications often occur insidiously.
In women with untreated chlamydia, the infection can spread from the urethra to the fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus) - this causes (in 40% of cases) the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
PID causes permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding tissues. Chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy are the result of PID. nine0003
Women with chlamydia are more susceptible to HIV infection, the risk increases by almost 5 times.
To prevent serious consequences of chlamydia, an annual chlamydia screening is required for all sexually active women 25 years of age and younger. An annual examination is necessary for women over 25 who are at risk (new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners). All pregnant women should be screened for chlamydia. nine0003
Complications of chlamydia are rare in men. The infection sometimes extends to the epididymis and causes pain, fever, and, rarely, male infertility (sterility).
Rarely, chlamydial infection can cause inflammation of the joints in combination with skin lesions, inflammation of the eyes and urinary tract - this is the so-called Reiter's syndrome.
The effect of chlamydia on a pregnant woman and her child
Chlamydia in pregnant women increases the risk of miscarriage, premature detachment of the placenta.
Newborns from infected mothers can get eye and lung infections. A lung infection (pneumonia) can be fatal to a newborn. nine0003
Diagnosis of chlamydia
Diagnosis includes observation of the patient's clinical symptoms, testing for chlamydia smears from the cervix, scraping from the urinary canal, the first morning portion of urine. Most often, the study is carried out by PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Swabs and scrapings may cause minor discomfort.
In addition, a blood test is performed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for the presence of immunity to chlamydia, this auxiliary test often helps to establish an accurate diagnosis. nine0003
Chlamydia treatment
Chlamydia treatment is with oral antibiotics. To prevent re-infection, all sexual partners must be found, examined and treated. Patients with chlamydia should refrain from unprotected sex during treatment, otherwise it is possible to re-infect the sexual partner. Unfortunately, after successful treatment, re-infection with chlamydia is possible, since a strong immunity to this microorganism does not develop.
Repeated infection of women with chlamydia leads to a significant increase in the risk of serious complications, including infertility. A re-examination is carried out 4 weeks after treatment. nine0003
Prevention of chlamydia
The best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections is through long-term sexual contact with one healthy sexual partner. Latex male condoms, when used correctly, drastically reduce the risk of transmission.
Annual chlamydia screening required for all sexually active women aged 25 and under. An annual examination is also necessary for women over 25 who are at risk (new sexual partner, multiple sexual partners). All pregnant women should be screened for chlamydia. nine0003
Any manifestations, such as pain or discomfort when urinating, unusual rash, discharge are a signal to stop sexual intercourse and immediately examine in a specialized clinic - KVD. If the patient is found to have chlamydia (or any other STI), he must inform his sexual partners so that they also undergo a full examination and appropriate treatment.
